The article critically examines China's failure to regulate its burgeoning peptide exports, which threaten global public health and Beijing's reputation. Despite past success curbing fentanyl, China remains the primary source of untested peptides, popular with "biohackers" and sold online via cryptocurrency. This inaction is deemed shortsighted, undermining China’s pharmaceutical standing and creating geopolitical issues. The author urges Beijing to align with its anti-drug legacy and global leadership ambitions by proactively regulating these exports to protect its reputation and global self-interest.