China's moves against smoking

Editor's note: China's top authorities issued a notice in Dec 2013 prohibiting Party and government officials fromsmoking in public and set an example for everyone to follow. Experts said it is a milestone in the history of China'stobacco control and will promote a smoking ban in all public places, which still needs the test of time before the law is enacted.

Officials banned from smoking in public

Chinese officials are asked to "take the lead" in adhering to the smoking ban in public spaces.

According to a circular from the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, officials are not allowed to smoke in schools, hospitals, sports venues, public transport vehicles, or any other venues where smoking is banned.

National smoking ban law in preparation

China's health authorities are working on a law banning smoking in all indoor public venues while clarifying punishments.

Work on a draft began last year and the National Health and Family Planning Commission is working hard to have national lawmakers issue laws on smoking control with stronger powers than current regulations, the commission told a news conference inBeijing on Jan