Experts say tobacco control program "smoky" (4)

China has more than 300 million smokers, while another 740 million people are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke, official figures show. About 1 million Chinese die from tobacco-related illnesses annually.

The tobacco industry, which contributes nearly a tenth of the country's tax revenues, is seen as an economic pillar in some provinces and regions, leading some to believe that it has interfered in national tobacco control efforts.

In recent years, authorities have made efforts to control tobacco in order to create smoke-free hospitals and smoke-free cities.

"A major report delivered at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) vowed to improve people's health. A tougher anti-smoking campaign is definitely needed to achieve that goal," Tsang said.

We Recommend:
Photos: Most touching loves in 2012	Snow brings joy to severe winter	Make wishes as end of Mayan calendar nears
Nanjing Massacre victims remembered	China's weekly story (2012.12.10-12.15)	Tell the whole world how I love you
Residential building collapses in Ningbo	Day to remember as couples tie the knot	Chinese space probe flies by asteroid