In June 1999 and May 2000, the government issued regulations further tightening controls on transportation licenses for ephedrine. The PRC cooperates closely with the United States on chemical control issues. The two sides have in place a strong pre-export notification program for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. China is a participant in Operation Purple, the worldwide initiative to stem the diversion of potassium permanganate to cocaine syndicates. China's counternarcotics strategy emphasizes both education and rehabilitation.
Individuals identified as addicts are subject to compulsory rehabilitation.
The 746 rehabilitation centers throughout the country treated 224,000 addicts in 1999. In the coming years, China plans to expand this program beyond a few initial test communities. Agreements and Treaties. The PRC is party to more than 30 mutual legal assistance treaties with 24 countries covering civil or criminal matters. In June 2000 the PRC and the United States signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement.