"We are here today to deliver a message on behalf of the United States government. We know who is responsible for poisoning the American people with fentanyl," U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters.
The move marks the latest Chinese targets Washington has hit with sanctions related to fentanyl, as the administration seeks to stem imports of the drug. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington, said China strongly condemned Tuesday's move, adding that the Chinese government takes a firm stance on counter-narcotics.
Tuesday's announcement came the day before Garland was due to travel to Mexico with other senior U.S. officials. Fentanyl trafficking is expected to be a major subject of discussion.