The U.S.-China Conflict on Drugs and its Policy Implications

Sungkwon Cho

Former Professor at Hansung University

nspi1958@naver.com

Recent U.S.-China conflict has been shifting from the trade to a drug called Fentanyl. Such conflicts are traditionally between drug producers and drug consumers. However, the U.S.-China conflict is not great power (U.S) vs weak power (Turkey, Colombia, Mexico), but a great power vs great power. Hence, such conflict is likely to create a diplomatic hardline in both U.S. Democratic or Republic Party and in the China during 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Ironically, such conflict might give opportunities to Guangzhou Triad, the Mexican Cartel, and even the American Mafia, which is now almost at the point of collapse. For South Korea, it is best to stay out of way between the conflict of great powers.​