China tightens fentanyl rules ahead of Xi's Washington summit

China has unveiled sweeping new regulations on fentanyl, a move widely seen as a diplomatic gesture timed to coincide with President Xi Jinping's forthcoming state visit to Washington.

Beijing's ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, described the upcoming summit between Xi and President Trump as a "historic milestone" for both bilateral relations and broader international affairs.

The fentanyl announcement is expected to ease tensions between the two countries on one of the most contentious issues in recent years, as both sides seek to build goodwill ahead of the high-stakes meeting.