On the afternoon of May 24, 2025, the 44th Alumni Salon of the School of International Studies (SIS), Peking University (PKU) was successfully held at the SIS café. This session, themed the ‘Fentanyl Issue’ in China-Foreign Economic Relations, was delivered by Professor Zha Daojiong.
The event was hosted by Jiang Chun (Class of 2002 MA, Executive Director of Beijing Yuanshu Investment Management Co., Ltd.), with Jin Rui (Deputy Director of the SIS Alumni Office) and over 20 alumni from various institutions—including the Ministry of Public Security, People’s Public Security University of China, China Overseas Security Group, and Primavera Capital—in attendance.
Event Highlights
In recent years, fentanyl abuse has become a critical public health and law enforcement issue in the U.S. Following Trump’s second-term imposition of “fentanyl tariffs” on China, the matter has been further politicized, impacting Sino-U.S. economic cooperation. During the salon, teacher Zha Daojiong drew from his experience in Track II dialogues and research to analyze the origins and evolution of the U.S. “fentanyl crisis,” the challenges in Sino-U.S. regulatory collaboration, and potential pathways for future dialogue on drug control.
Speaker: Zha Daojiong
Professor Zha, a seasoned scholar with research stints in Singapore, the U.S., and Japan, specializes in energy security, economic diplomacy, and global health governance. In the Q&A session, alumni engaged in lively discussions on topics such as international fentanyl regulation, supply-chain challenges, and China’s role in balancing national interests with global governance. Participants also shared insights on depoliticizing the issue, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and enhancing China’s voice in global drug policy.
Active Discussion Among Alumni
Attendees noted that the salon broadened their perspectives on non-traditional security issues and bridged theory with policy practice. Moving forward, the Alumni Salon will continue to invite experts for multidimensional dialogues, fostering academic-practical synergy and narrating “SISers’ global stories.”
Group Photo
Written by:Yu Yan
Edited by: Jin Rui