4 ms·

I think I wasn't clear, the Opium Wars reference was to the US and Canada's current opioid problem wherein the bulk of fentanyl is being imported to the US from

by cco 7y ago

I think I wasn't clear, the Opium Wars reference was to the US and Canada's current opioid problem wherein the bulk of fentanyl is being imported to the US from China. Given how tightly the Chinese government controls domestic drug production and distribution I'm very skeptical that this export operation is in-spite of Chinese government action, maybe at best they ignore it. That is what I was referencing, I think it is at least probable that the Chinese government tacitly condones the export of opioids to the US and don't lose much sleep over it. This was exactly the same thing that Britain did to China during the Opium Wars except that that also included military force whereas this is the black market approach that the US has traditionally used when they've done it. To cut off a possible avenue of criticism, yes the US has done exactly the same thing in South America time and time again, that was wrong too.

sbarre 7y ago
> Given how tightly the Chinese government controls domestic drug production and distribution I'm very skeptical that this export operation is in-spite of Chinese government action, maybe at best they ignore it. I think you give too much credit to that government apparatus. China has over a billion people, and if you think their government is one big well-oiled machine of surveillance and oppression, that might be a bit naïve.. Illicit drug production has been a worldwide problem forever. It's logistically impossible to keep tabs (no pun intended) on every legit lab 24/7 and even more impossible to find and shut down every illegal operation, in any country, much less one with such a massive population and also with such a production-focused economy.
boomboomsubban 7y ago
You can draw something of a parallel between the British action before the Opium Wars and the current drug issues, though the British government were definitely involved and opium was a black market item. Calling it a Reverse Opium War is ridiculous though, as China hasn't invaded, forced unequal treaties, or made the US cede Long Island.

by cco 7y ago

sbarre 7y ago

> Given how tightly the Chinese government controls domestic drug production and distribution I'm very skeptical that this export operation is in-spite of Chinese government action, maybe at best they ignore it. I think you give too much credit to that government apparatus. China has over a billion people, and if you think their government is one big well-oiled machine of surveillance and oppression, that might be a bit naïve.. Illicit drug production has been a worldwide problem forever. It's logistically impossible to keep tabs (no pun intended) on every legit lab 24/7 and even more impossible to find and shut down every illegal operation, in any country, much less one with such a massive population and also with such a production-focused economy.

boomboomsubban 7y ago

You can draw something of a parallel between the British action before the Opium Wars and the current drug issues, though the British government were definitely involved and opium was a black market item. Calling it a Reverse Opium War is ridiculous though, as China hasn't invaded, forced unequal treaties, or made the US cede Long Island.