Location: The Yunnan Bian Tun Cultural Museum is situated in the village of Maojiatuan, Fengyu Village Committee, Chenghai Town, Yongsheng County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. This area was where Mao Zedong’s 20th ancestor, Mao Taihua, lived for over thirty years.

Overview: The museum is part of the China Yongsheng Bian Tun Cultural Expo Park project, which covers an area of 3,500 acres with a total investment of 697.5 million yuan.

Establishment: The museum was officially established on December 26, 2011, and spans a total area of 64 acres (42,668.8 square meters). Its facilities include the Bian Tun Cultural Museum, the Ancestor Memorial Park of Mao Zedong, Guangming Square, and the Mao Family Ancestral Hall. The total building area is 4,700 square meters, with an exhibition area of 2,800 square meters and a green space of 6,699 square meters.

The China Yongsheng Yunnan Bian Tun Cultural Museum is located in Maojiatuan, Fengyu Village Committee, Chenghai Town, Yongsheng County. This site is where Mao Zedong’s 20th ancestor, Mao Taihua, lived for over thirty years. The museum is part of the China Yongsheng Bian Tun Cultural Expo Park project, which covers an area of 3,500 acres and has a total investment of 697.5 million yuan.

The museum was established on December 26, 2011, and spans a total area of 64 acres (42,668.8 square meters). Its facilities include the Bian Tun Cultural Museum, the Ancestor Memorial Park of Mao Zedong, Guangming Square, and the Mao Family Ancestral Hall. The total building area is 4,700 square meters, with an exhibition area of 2,800 square meters and a green space of 6,699 square meters.

The museum features seven exhibition halls, including: the Introduction Hall, Bian Tun Yunnan, Famous Historical Figures of Yunnan from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yongsheng, Art and Calligraphy in Bian Tun, Beisheng Prefecture and Lancang Guard, and Cangyang Spring and Autumn. The Ancestor Memorial Park includes four pavilions: Mao Taihua Pavilion, Yongsheng Mao Family Genealogy Pavilion, Shaoshan Mao Family Genealogy Pavilion, and Personal Stories of Mao Zedong Pavilion. The Mao Family Ancestral Hall features three exhibition rooms. Between the museum and the memorial park is Guangming Square, which features a life-sized bronze statue of Mao Zedong. The statue is backed by Phoenix Mountain and faces east, with the inscription “光明在前” (Bright Future Ahead) carved into its base.

The Yunnan Bian Tun Cultural Museum relies on the existing Mao Family Ancestral Hall to build the China Yongsheng Bian Tun Cultural Expo Park. The construction includes eight functional areas: the Bian Tun Cultural Spirit Park, Chinese Bian Tun Cultural Zone, Agricultural Development Zone, Ethnic Integration Zone, Agricultural Research and Development Zone, Specialty Business Street, Comprehensive Service Area, and Leisure and Wellness Area. The Yunnan Bian Tun Cultural Museum is a systematic showcase of Bian Tun culture, aiming to deeply explore its connotations with a focus on “rooted in Yunnan, facing the nation, and highlighting Yongsheng,” and to present excellent Bian Tun culture, which is predominantly based on Han culture.

Exhibition Halls

The museum features several exhibition halls, including:

• Introduction Hall
• Bian Tun Yunnan
• Famous Historical Figures of Yunnan from the Ming and Qing Dynasties
• Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yongsheng
• Art and Calligraphy in Bian Tun
• Beisheng Prefecture and Lancang Guard
• Cangyang Spring and Autumn

The Ancestor Memorial Park includes:

• Mao Taihua Pavilion
• Yongsheng Mao Family Genealogy Pavilion
• Shaoshan Mao Family Genealogy Pavilion
• Personal Stories of Mao Zedong Pavilion

The Mao Family Ancestral Hall features three exhibition rooms. Between the museum and the memorial park is Guangming Square, which features a life-sized bronze statue of Mao Zedong. The statue faces east and is backed by Phoenix Mountain, with the inscription “光明在前” (Bright Future Ahead) carved into its base.

Cultural Significance

The Yunnan Bian Tun Cultural Museum aims to systematically showcase border culture and is focused on exploring the cultural connotations of Bian Tun culture with an emphasis on Han culture. The museum is part of a larger plan to develop the China Yongsheng Bian Tun Cultural Expo Park, which will include eight functional zones:

• Bian Tun Cultural Spirit Park
• Chinese Bian Tun Cultural Zone
• Agricultural Development Zone
• Ethnic Integration Zone
• Agricultural Research and Development Zone
• Specialty Business Street
• Comprehensive Service Area
• Leisure and Wellness Area

Historical Background

The museum is located in a historically significant area for the Mao family, where Mao Taihua lived for over thirty years. It officially opened in 2011 and covers a substantial area with various facilities dedicated to both cultural and historical education.

Visiting Information

• Address: No. 89, Maojiatuan, Fengyu Village Committee, Chenghai Town, Yongsheng County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, open year-round
• Transportation: Visitors can take a bus from Lijiang City or Yongsheng County to Chenghai Town and then reach Fengyu Village Committee, Maojiatuan.

Honors

In February 2023, the museum was selected as one of the first education practice bases for solidifying the awareness of the Chinese national community in Yunnan Province.

Chinese Name: 中煙國際（香港）有限公司 (Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability) (Stock code: 6055)
English Name: China Tobacco International (HK) Company Limited
(1) Resignation of Executive Director, General Manager, and Authorized Representative
(2) Appointment of General Manager and Authorized Representative
(3) Appointment of Executive Directors
(4) Change in Composition of Board’s Committees
The Board announces that with effect from March 17, 2020:

1. Resignation of Mr. Zhang Hongshi:
   • Positions: Executive Director, General Manager, Authorized Representative
   • Reason: Change of work arrangements
   • Confirmation: No disagreement with the Board; no matters relating to his resignation need to be brought to the attention of the shareholders or The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
   • Acknowledgment: The Board expresses sincere gratitude to Mr. Zhang for his commitment, diligence, and contributions, including leading the Company’s business reorganization and initial public offering.
2. Appointment of Ms. Yang Xuemei:
   • Positions: General Manager, Authorized Representative
   • Background:
     • Joined the company in October 2018 as Vice General Manager.
     • Executive Director since December 2018.
     • Held various positions at Kunming Machine Tool Company Limited, Yuxi Cigarette Factory, Yunnan Hongta Import & Export Company Limited, and Hongta International Company Limited.
     • Vice General Manager, General Manager, and Chairman of Yunnan Tobacco International Company Limited.
     • Senior economist awarded by China National Tobacco Corporation.
     • Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a master’s degree in economics, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
3. Appointment of Ms. Li Yan and Mr. Liang Deqing:
   • Positions: Executive Directors, Vice General Managers
   • Background of Ms. Li Yan:
     • Joined in March 2020.
     • Worked at China Tobacco International Inc. in various departments.
     • Deputy Director of Corporate Investment Department, Director of Compliance Office.
     • 11 years of experience in investment management of the overseas tobacco industry.
     • Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA.
   • Background of Mr. Liang Deqing:
     • Joined in March 2020.
     • Worked at Qinghai First Machine Tool Factory, Henan Xuchang Flue-cured Tobacco Plant, Tianchang International Tobacco Co., Ltd., China Tobacco Henan Import and Export Company Limited, China Tabaco International Do Brasil Ltda., China Tobacco International (North America), Inc., and China Tobacco International Group Limited.
     • Senior engineer awarded by State Tobacco Monopoly Administration.
     • Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
4. Change in Composition of Board’s Committees:
   • Resignations:
     • Mr. Zhang ceased to be a member of the Connected Transactions Control Committee and the Strategic Development Committee.
   • Appointments:
     • Ms. Yang was appointed as a member of the Connected Transactions Control Committee.
     • Ms. Li was appointed as a member of the Strategic Development Committee.

Board Composition (As of March 17, 2020)

• Chairman and Non-Executive Director:
  • Mr. Shao Yan
• Executive Directors:
  • Ms. Yang Xuemei
  • Ms. Li Yan
  • Mr. Liang Deqing
  • Mr. Wang Chengrui
• Independent Non-Executive Directors:
  • Mr. Chow Siu Lui
  • Mr. Wang Xinhua
  • Mr. Chau Kwok Keung
  • Mr. Qian Yi

By order of the Board,
China Tobacco International (HK) Company Limited
Shao Yan, Chairman

Date of Announcement: March 17, 2020

The English translation of an entity’s or a company’s name in Chinese which is marked with “” is for identification purpose only. If there is any inconsistency between the Chinese names of entities or companies established in the PRC and their English translations, the Chinese names shall prevail.*

YunNan Tobacco Biological Technology Co., Ltd. (云南巴菰生物科技股份有限公司) was established in December 2015. The company’s name pays tribute to the historical origins of tobacco. Since its inception, YunNan Tobacco Biological Technology has been renowned for its expertise in tobacco leaves and technological advancements. The company is dedicated to providing innovative solutions and systematic improvements to enhance quality and efficiency for leading tobacco enterprises worldwide.

Core Business Areas

Product Lines

• Explosive Capsules: Manufacturing and production of explosive capsules used in cigarettes.
• Tobacco Flavor and Fragrance: Development and manufacturing of tobacco flavor and fragrance for cigarettes.
• Cigarette Materials: Innovation in cigarette materials and supporting application programs.
• Quality Control Services: Services focused on cigarette quality control and improvement.
• New Tobacco Products: Research and development of new tobacco products.

Operational Philosophy

Innovation

• Start of Operations: Officially started operations in 2016, marking it as a “new” company.
• High-Tech Enterprise: Certified as a high-tech enterprise in 2017.
• Patents: By October 2019, the company had obtained 22 authorized patents and had 85 patents accepted.

Openness

• Cooperation Platform: Built an open, pragmatic, efficient, and successful multi-party cooperation platform.
• Global Partnerships: Welcomes like-minded partners from around the world to create a better future and share achievements.

Leading

• International Presence:
  • Subsidiaries: Four subsidiaries located in Russia, Korea, and Ukraine.
  • Global Business: Operations span Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.
  • Global Resources and Vision: Supply chain and information chain covering the world.

Conclusion

YunNan Tobacco Biological Technology Co., Ltd. is committed to leading the way in tobacco technology innovation. With a strong emphasis on openness and collaboration, the company aims to create a global impact through its advanced products and services, ensuring sustainable growth and shared success with its partners.

Chu Oranges

Chu Oranges, also known as Ice Sugar Oranges, are a type of sweet orange renowned as a famous specialty of Yunnan. They are celebrated for their thin skin and sweet taste with a hint of acidity. Named after Chu Shijian, the former chairman of Hongta Group, who was known as the “King of Tobacco,” these oranges have gained widespread popularity.

Chu’s Agriculture

Founded by Chu Shijian, Chu’s Agriculture is dedicated to fruit cultivation using modern agricultural techniques and standardized management systems. The company also focuses on the research and development of high-quality fruit varieties, planting techniques, advanced processing technologies, and craftsmanship. It boasts well-known brands such as “Chu Orange” and “Yunguan Orange.”

Chu Orange

In 2002, Chu Shijian planted the first batch of Ice Sugar Oranges in Gasa Town, deep in the Ailao Mountains, and named them Chu Oranges. Through years of meticulous cultivation, Chu Oranges became known for their thin skin, juicy flesh, ideal sweet-to-acid ratio, and delightful taste. They have earned a stellar market reputation and have become one of the most beloved sweet orange brands in Asia. By 2017, Chu Oranges achieved an impressive annual revenue of nearly 300 million yuan.

Yunguan Orange

In 2015, the Chu Orange team began developing the Longling production base, covering an area of 10,000 acres. The new generation of Chu Orange farmers adopted the standardized management of Chu Orange orchards, adapting it to local conditions to create the new brand “Yunguan Orange.” In 2017, a key provincial academician workstation was established at the Longling base, led by Deng Xiuxin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, chief scientist of the modern citrus technology system, and president of Huazhong Agricultural University. This scientific planting technology boosted the project’s progress, and by 2019, the base had achieved a production output of 6,000 tons, with 3,000 tons of selected finished products, achieving a 50% yield rate.

Establishment of the Plantation

In June 2003, Chu leased 134 hectares (330 acres) of land in Xinping County and hired 300 employees. He applied the same management principles that had led to his earlier success with Yuxi Tobacco. These included emphasizing quality over quantity and linking workers’ income to the company’s profits. As the company grew, his employees were able to earn several times the average local wage.

Marketing and Success

Chu used the Internet to market his “Chu Oranges” nationally, appealing to wealthier customers who were willing to pay higher prices for a premium brand perceived as nutritious and safe. The company quickly became highly successful, selling 10,000 tons of oranges a year by 2013. Chu’s innovative approach and focus on quality made his oranges a sought-after product across China.

Expansion into Ecotourism

Chu also developed his orange plantation in the Ailao Mountains into an ecotourism resort. This diversification helped to further solidify the brand’s reputation and provided additional revenue streams.

Leadership Transition

On 17 January 2018, his 90th birthday, Chu appointed his son Chu Yibin (褚一斌) as the chief executive officer of Chu’s Fruit Company Limited, while he retained the title of chairman. This transition ensured the continuity of the company’s operations and its values.

Legacy

Chu’s Agriculture has built its brand over more than a decade with dedication and craftsmanship. Despite its illustrious history, it continues to move forward with a farmer’s heart, striving for excellence in every step.

Overview

Chu Shijian (Chinese: 褚时健; 24 December 1927 – 5 March 2019) was a Chinese business executive and entrepreneur, known as the “king of tobacco” and the “king of oranges”. He turned the near-bankrupt Yuxi Cigarette Factory into one of China’s most profitable state-owned companies and developed its Hongtashan cigarette into one of the country’s most valuable brands. At its peak, the company contributed 60% of total revenues of the Yunnan provincial government.

Chu supplemented his low official salary by taking bribes. He was arrested for corruption in 1996 and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1999. After being released on medical parole in 2002, he started his second company at age 75, an orange plantation with the brand name “Chu Orange”. It became a nationally famous brand, giving Chu a new nickname as the “king of oranges”. His achievements and unyielding spirit made him “one of China’s most iconic entrepreneurs”.

Early Life

Chu was born on 24 December 1927 in Yuxi, Yunnan, Republic of China. He participated in the Chinese Communist Revolution in his youth, but was later denounced as a “rightist” during the Anti-Rightist Campaign, and was not politically rehabilitated until the end of the Cultural Revolution. He managed a sugar cane factory in his early career.

Career

Yuxi Tobacco

In October 1979, Chu was appointed head of Yuxi Cigarette Factory (later known as Yuxi Tobacco Company and Hongta Group). Yuxi was a near-bankrupt state-owned factory that made the Hongtashan (Red Pagoda Hill) brand of cigarettes, with an annual revenue of less than US$1 million.

Chu recognized that as China’s economy was starting to grow, more people could afford cigarettes, and he began to promote the Hongtashan brand all over the country. The brand became famous and demand grew quickly. Chu was able to sell the cigarettes for US$1.5 to $2 per pack, although the official price was fixed at $1. He spent the unreported profit on buying state-of-the-art equipment and building new offices and apartments for his employees.

By 1995, the company produced more than 100 billion cigarettes per year but still could not meet the demand even at the higher unofficial prices. Wholesalers were willing to pay bribes to Chu and his family members to secure supplies of Hongtashan. While Yuxi Tobacco generated more than 99 billion yuan in profits and taxes for the government during his 16-year tenure, Chu’s official monthly salary was less than US$250. He and his family members could not resist the temptation of augmenting their income by taking bribes. In February 1995, an informant sent evidence of the illegal payments to the government. Chu’s wife Ma Jingfen (马静芬) and their daughter Chu Yingqun (褚映群) were arrested, and Yingqun committed suicide in prison.

Chu was arrested in 1996. In 1999, he was convicted of embezzling US$1.74 million and diverting more than $145 million to company accounts from state coffers. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, although many considered it unjust and he remained a popular hero in Yuxi. His sentence was later reduced several times and officially ended in 2011.

Chu Orange

Chu developed diabetes while in prison and was released in 2002 on medical parole. Already 74, he decided to start his second company, an orange farm.

In June 2003, he leased 134 hectares (330 acres) of land in Xinping County and hired 300 employees. He employed the same management methods as at Yuxi Tobacco, such as the emphasis of quality over quantity and linking workers’ income to the company’s profits. As the company grew, his employees were able to earn several times the average local wage. He used the Internet to market his “Chu Oranges” nationally, and attracted wealthier customers who were willing to pay higher prices for a premium brand perceived as nutritious and safe. The company became highly successful, selling 10,000 tons of oranges a year by 2013. He also developed his orange plantation in the Ailao Mountains into an ecotourism resort. Chu, already known as the “tobacco king” of China, gained another title as the “king of oranges”.

On 17 January 2018, his 90th birthday, Chu appointed his son Chu Yibin (褚一斌) as chief executive officer of Chu’s Fruit Company Limited, while he retained the title of chairman.

Death

On 5 March 2019, Chu died from complications from diabetes at Yuxi People’s Hospital. He was 91.

Chu Shijian: A Legendary Life in China’s Tobacco Industry

Chu Shijian, the former chairman of Hongta Group (a key subsidiary of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co., Ltd.) and Yuxi Hongta Tobacco (Group) Co., Ltd., passed away at the age of 91 on March 5, 2019. The news went viral on the Internet in China, with many people remembering the life of this legendary man, who began to cultivate oranges and became wildly successful in his 70s. However, this story will focus on the great course of his life during 1979 and 1994. During these 15 years, Mr. Chu created Hongtashan, a renowned Chinese cigarette brand, leading to Yuxi Cigarette Factory ranking first in Asia and joining the ranks of the world’s largest modern tobacco companies.

The Transformation of Yuxi Cigarette Factory

When Chu Shijian first became head of Yuxi Cigarette Factory, it was a tired, old Chinese state-owned factory in which factionalism was taken very seriously, the decision-making process was slow, and execution was very poor. In terms of the products, there were many brands, but all fell into the middle and lower grades, leading to product homogenization. In terms of production, it was a semi-mechanized workshop operation. In terms of mentality, factory workers were sluggish and lazy.

Faced with such a factory, one may imagine how Chu Shijian felt –“in fear”, of course. But, he worked out solutions and direction for his work, rather than being intimidated by this fear.

He initiated a series of reforms after he took over as manager of Yuxi Cigarette Factory, among which the most important was a technical improvement and raw material guarantee.

Introducing Advanced Technology Equipment

In the mid-1980s, China still implemented a planned economic system. Therefore, cigarette manufacturers had no power to apply for foreign equipment themselves but had to wait for the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) to allocate purchasing indicators and then the local foreign exchange department would allocate foreign exchange for it. Then, the purchase indicator was assigned to China Tobacco Guizhou Industrial Co., Ltd. At that time, the Guizhou Cigarette Factory was a famous factory that produced well-known cigarette brands such as Yunwu Mountain and Huaxi. The State Administration of Foreign Exchange also agreed to grant foreign exchange indicators for Guizhou province. At that time, the equipment was priced at US$27 million (based on the exchange rate then, this was equal to about RMB70 million). However, the Guizhou Cigarette Factory decided to give this up.

The indicator was therefore transferred to Yunnan province. The tobacco department of the province first sought the opinions of Kunming Cigarette Factory, which was not interested in it. Chu Shijian, on the other hand, was very much interested in the opportunity. But, the executive of Yuxi Cigarette Factory had to first convince several deputy managers who felt that it was too risky.

To purchase the equipment, all the assets of the factory would need to be mortgaged. Yet, Chu Shijian had made up his mind. He worked out a purchase scheme with the deputy managers in the car on the way to Kunming and went on to persuade the provincial economic commission and the provincial planning commission. Thus, Yuxi Cigarette Factory became the only factory in China in the late 1980s set up with the world’s first-class cigarette equipment, which could automatically produce filtered cigarettes.

Chu Shijian had long attached great significance to technology. He started to renovate the production line after he took over the factory. He imported 85 sets of cigarette machines and two production lines from Britain, Japan, and the Netherlands, which were in line with the international criteria in the 1970s, albeit not the most advanced ones in the world. Thanks to the improvement of its technical capabilities, Yuxi Cigarette Factory quickly entered the ranks of China’s first-line cigarette factories.

Creating the Tobacco Fields, the First Workshops for Enterprise Production

In 1984, Chu Shijian invited Dr. Zuo Tianjue, who served as the tobacco expert at the US Department of Agriculture and returned to China more than 100 times to guide agricultural production, to improve Yuxi’s crop planting. Yuxi was home to gold leaf, and it began to produce a variety of tobacco leaves in the late Qing Dynasty. In 1914, British American Tobacco had already entered this city. In 1953, Yuxi tobacco leaves, known as “yellow chicken oil”, participated in the National Tobacco Conference held in Xuchang, Henan province, and gained a high score of 108. Since then, it became a representative variety of Yunyan.

However, when Chu Shijian took over the factory in 1981, Yuxi tobacco leaves could not compete with those in foreign markets. Despite the introduction of many different advanced equipment, the quality of cigarettes produced was still flawed—the tobacco leaves were not fragrant enough and the taste was not strong enough. So, the issues drove Chu Shijian to turn his attention to the tobacco fields.

In August 1984, Chu Shijian and Zuo Tianjue came to Tonghai county, Yuxi. Although the Tonghai tobacco fields were outstanding, Dr. Zuo immediately discovered the issues – improper use of fertilizer (only 40% of the quantity which was used in the US) resulting in insufficient nutrition of tobacco leaves; late planting of tobacco seedlings resulting in poor growth of tobacco leaves in such a short growing period; and too early picking leading to tobacco leaves that were not mature enough.

Chu Shijian thought that Zuo Tianjue found the key to high-quality Chinese tobacco leaves. He felt that there were two issues to be solved in order to change the quality of the crop production: First was lack of funds, because the transformation of tobacco fields relied on the transformation of the water source, and it also needed expensive fertilizers at the time. Secondly, the technology used was not up to standard.

To counter these two issues, Chu Shijian proposed a plan: Yuxi Cigarette Factory would provide funds and fertilizers and help farmers build reservoirs and water pipes to completely renovate the tobacco fields on one condition – that all tobacco leaves must be sold to Yuxi Cigarette Factory. This was the origin of the concept that “tobacco fields served as the first workshops for the production of manufacturers” that was later highly praised. This reform brought not only the improvement in the quality of tobacco leaves but more importantly, the entire Tonghai county first farmed out more than 1,700 mu (113.39 hectares) of tobacco fields as the base of Yuxi Cigarette Factory.

In 1985, the quality of the middle and upper-grade tobacco leaves produced in the test fields of Tonghai county accounted for more than 91%, which was consistent with international levels. Chu Shijian had achieved an important step towards success.

Shock & Inspiration

Chu Shijian proposed to build a workshop in the tobacco field, which seemed to be a very deviant idea then because according to the established deployment, the tobacco fields belonged to the tobacco company system, parallel with tobacco factories. In today’s Tonghai county, people no longer grow tobacco, and dense tobacco stations only appear in the villages near the mountains. In these tobacco-planting villages, there are a number of reservoirs, many of which are the products of Chu Shijian’s era, including sprinklers that extend into the tobacco fields, which are still in use. But in fact, these were not the things he was proud of. His great achievement was to put a lot of money into tobacco companies to help farmers buy fertilizers, or build water reservoirs, so that tobacco companies, farmers, and tobacco factories were firmly linked in the same chain.

At that time, the leadership of Tonghai county was in favor of Chu Shijian’s practices. But, when he further promoted it, he met with resolute opposition in the suburbs of Yuxi where he was located. The Tobacco Regulations promulgated in 1983 stipulated that tobacco factories were not allowed to intervene in the purchase and planting of the crop, as this was rather the responsibility of tobacco companies. The most popular phrase at the time was,” Chu Shijian put the bucket of the tobacco factory into the well of the tobacco company to bail water out.”

The county economy unquestionably benefited from the promotion of high-quality tobacco planting. At that time, the leaders of several counties under Yuxi were very supportive. Among them, Qianxi county received nearly RMB200 million in support funds from Yuxi Cigarette Factory for years. These counties grew to be economically strong.

Chu Shijian didn’t stop at this. He thought that the system at that time could not guarantee the maximum benefit of the tobacco factory because holding the tobacco company and the tobacco factory only meant holding the manufacturing channels, but the circulation channels were still in the hands of the tobacco monopoly administration, which was responsible for sales. The three were completely separated according to the system design. However, since he had merged the former two, he, of course, wanted to merge all the three, a three-in-one that could guarantee maximum benefit.

In 1987, China Tobacco Yunnan approved the plan. At that time Yuxi Cigarette Factory was already a significant local taxpayer with Chu Shijian at the head. The Hongtashan brand started to take off under this three-in-one system. Then, the Golden Doll brand was released. Soon, the national tobacco industry began to implement this management system. This move got rid of the past rigid link control, creating a great impact on the system under the planned economy.

However, Chu Shijian was imprisoned for economic problems in 1998, and the system was finally terminated. Since then, the manager of a tobacco factory can no longer serve as the general manager of a tobacco company.

Long-term Incentives

Many people believed that a person like Chu Shijian must have extraordinary ideas. In fact, he believed that many things could be implemented. He believed in being practical, serious, and forward-thinking.

The tobacco industry had long been the highest-paid industry in China. At that time, he proposed that workers should be paid more, with the hard-working ones earning higher wages. Many people thought that he was encouraging workers to ask for more money, but he did not believe this. He thought that “if a man makes more money through his own hard work, he would think that it was his own ability, not the factory’s favor.”

As he said later, “if a person was working to make a living, he would be very timid and afraid of making mistakes; he would not be able to fulfill his role, and his talents would not be fully utilized.” With such a goal in mind, Yuxi Cigarette Factory not only quickly adjusted to become a first-class national cigarette factory, but the overall quality of cigarettes produced was greatly improved.

The tobacco factory only had a few thousand people, but their income increased more than 10 times over the decade. Many employees of the Yuxi Cigarette Factory can’t forget the surprise of their first time receiving RMB5,000 as a monthly salary. The average income in other places was only RMB500.

Besides, there was another long-term incentive he proposed to cultivate the young. He believed that, “it’s difficult for middle-aged people to reform themselves as they are very used to their existing knowledge and experience. Young people must constantly challenge their limits and explore their potential. They must not be bound by rigid systems or rules.” Therefore, he promoted the principle of “giving the stage to the young”. The first deputy manager of Yuxi Cigarette Factory was only 26 years old when he was appointed, and many managers were all under 30 years old.

Many of these young people later became industry leaders, like Lin Jianguo who became the general manager of Kunming Cigarette Factory and led the second revolution of Yuxi Cigarette Factory. The young talents that Chu Shijian promoted are now leading the second generation of the tobacco industry.

Regrets and Apology

Many people believed that Chu Shijian was extremely resolute. When he proposed the innovation of establishing a tobacco field as a workshop, he encountered huge obstacles. Even the secretary of the party committee called him a traitor. He faced great pressure but kept on pursuing the reforms, thinking that “it is impossible for everyone to be wrong”.

However, this resolute man often regretted not being able to be with his daughter. Due to her ill health, she passed away in her early 20s. He once said, “I regret that I did not have time to care for my daughter. I hope others can avoid this regret.”

Post-Prison Life: Orange Farmer

After being released from prison, Chu Shijian started an orange farm and became highly successful once again. His oranges became a high-demand product, proving his business acumen was not limited to tobacco.

Conclusion

Chu Shijian’s life is a story of resilience, innovation, and success. He transformed Yuxi Cigarette Factory into a world-class enterprise, influenced China’s tobacco industry, and later found success in agriculture. His story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the impact of determination and vision.

Yuxi, located in central Yunnan Province, China, is renowned as the hometown of Yunnan tobacco. This city has a rich history and tradition of tobacco cultivation, making it a significant center for the tobacco industry in the region.

Key Highlights of Yuxi’s Tobacco Industry

1. Historical Significance:
   • Tobacco cultivation in Yuxi dates back several centuries, and the region has long been recognized for its ideal climate and soil conditions, which are highly conducive to growing high-quality tobacco.
2. Economic Impact:
   • The tobacco industry is a crucial component of Yuxi’s economy. It not only provides employment opportunities to thousands of local farmers and workers but also contributes significantly to the region’s GDP through the production and export of tobacco products.
3. Quality and Reputation:
   • Yuxi tobacco is renowned for its distinctive flavor and quality. The specific environmental factors of the region, such as the mild climate, ample sunshine, and fertile soil, contribute to the unique characteristics of Yuxi tobacco.
4. Innovation and Research:
   • Yuxi has made significant strides in tobacco research and innovation. The city is home to several research institutions and facilities dedicated to improving tobacco cultivation techniques, pest control, and product quality.
5. Cultural Heritage:
   • Tobacco culture is deeply ingrained in Yuxi’s heritage. The city hosts various events and festivals celebrating its tobacco industry, attracting tourists and tobacco enthusiasts from around the world.

Visiting Yuxi

• Tobacco Plantations: Visitors to Yuxi can tour expansive tobacco plantations, learning about the cultivation process and the meticulous care that goes into growing premium tobacco leaves.
• Tobacco Museums: The city boasts museums dedicated to the history and culture of tobacco in Yuxi, offering insights into its development and significance over the years.
• Local Festivals: Participating in local tobacco-themed festivals provides a unique cultural experience, showcasing traditional practices, music, dance, and local cuisine.

Yuxi’s legacy as the hometown of Yunnan tobacco continues to thrive, contributing to both the cultural and economic landscape of the region. Whether you are a tobacco aficionado or a curious traveler, Yuxi offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of tobacco cultivation and its enduring heritage.

The College of Tobacco Science (云南农业大学烟草学院) at Yunnan Agricultural University is a secondary college under Yunnan Agricultural University and is one of the earliest institutions in China to conduct tobacco education and research.

The College of Tobacco Science was established on July 10, 1997, based on the Tobacco Department of the Agricultural Science and Technology College and the Tobacco Research Institute of Yunnan Agricultural University. It was renamed the Tobacco College in May 2001. According to information from the college’s official website in August 2021, it offers 2 undergraduate programs, 1 master’s degree in a secondary discipline, and 1 professional master’s degree; it has 25 full-time faculty members, 704 full-time undergraduate students, 160 full-time and part-time master’s students, and 8 doctoral students.

History of the Institution

From the 1940s to the 1980s, courses on Tobacco Cultivation were offered in the agricultural colleges that preceded Yunnan Agricultural University.

• In September 1986, it began enrolling undergraduate students majoring in tobacco.
• In September 1987, it started accepting master’s students in the field of tobacco based on the Crop Cultivation master’s program.
• In December 1996, the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government approved the establishment of the Yunnan Agricultural University Tobacco Cultivation Technology College.
• On July 10, 1997, the Yunnan Agricultural University Tobacco Cultivation Technology College was formed, based on the Tobacco Department of the Agricultural Science and Technology College and the Tobacco Research Institute of Yunnan Agricultural University.
• In May 2001, it was renamed the College of Tobacco Science.
• In 2007, with approval from the Yunnan Provincial Degree Office, Yunnan Agricultural University and the Yunnan Provincial Tobacco Agricultural Science Research Institute jointly established an innovative training base for graduate students in the tobacco industry.
• In 2008, the college began admitting doctoral students in crop varieties and ecology based on the doctoral program in Crop Genetics and Breeding.
• In 2012, it was approved by the Ministry of Education to set up a secondary master’s program in tobacco science outside the discipline catalog.

Academic Programs

According to the college’s official website in August 2021, it offers 2 undergraduate programs:

• Undergraduate Programs: Tobacco, Flavor Fragrance Technology and Engineering.

Faculty Strength

According to the college’s official website in August 2021, there are 25 full-time faculty members: 7 senior professors, 13 associate professors, and 6 mid-level professionals.

• There are 19 doctoral degree holders; 5 are doctoral supervisors, and 18 are master’s supervisors.
• There is 1 teaching master of the “Ten Thousand Talent Program” in Yunnan Province, 1 teaching master under the Special Support Program for High-level Talents in Yunnan Province, 1 teaching and research leader in Yunnan Province’s higher education institutions, 2 academic leaders of young and middle-aged people in Yunnan Province, and 1 reserve talent; there is also 1 provincial-level teaching team.
• More than 20 honorary professors, part-time professors, and part-time master’s supervisors are employed.

Teaching and Quality Engineering

According to the college’s official website in August 2021, the college has:

• 1 first-class undergraduate program construction point in Yunnan Province
• 1 key major in Yunnan Province
• 1 distinctive major in Yunnan Province
• 1 comprehensive reform pilot major in Yunnan Province
• 1 experimental teaching center in Yunnan Province
• 1 national off-campus practice education base for college students
• 1 innovative training base for graduate students in the Yunnan tobacco industry
• 7 off-campus practical teaching bases co-built with tobacco and other enterprises

The college has:

• 1 national-level excellent resource-sharing course
• 1 national-level excellent course
• 1 “first-class” course in Yunnan Province
• 1 demonstration course at the school level
• 6 first-class courses at the school level
• 1 national-level digital course under construction.

Courses

• National-level Excellent Resource-sharing Course: Tobacco Cultivation
• National-level Excellent Course: Tobacco Cultivation
• Yunnan Province Excellent Course: Tobacco Cultivation

Teaching Achievements

According to the college’s official website in August 2021, the college has edited and co-edited 15 textbooks, 5 industry training textbooks, and has 1 digital textbook under construction.

Teaching Achievement Awards

• Project Name: Strengthening the Construction of Practice Bases and Enhancing Practical Teaching Links
  Award Category: First Prize of Teaching Achievement in Yunnan Province (2001)
• Project Name: Research and Practice on Building Specialties Combining with Yunnan’s Biological Resource Industry Advantages
  Award Category: First Prize of Teaching Achievement in Yunnan Province (2009)
• Project Name: Exploration and Practice of National Excellent Course Construction in Tobacco Cultivation
  Award Category: Second Prize of Teaching Achievement in Yunnan Province (2009)

Discipline Development

According to the college’s official website in August 2021, it has:

• 1 master’s program in a secondary discipline
• 1 professional master’s degree
• 1 key support discipline in Yunnan Province
• Secondary Discipline Master’s Program: Tobacco Science
• Professional Master’s Degree: Crop Science
• Key Support Discipline in Yunnan Province: Economic Crop Science (Tobacco, Sugar, Tea, and Fruit)

Academic Research

Research Platforms

According to the college’s official website in August 2021, it has:

• 1 engineering technology research center in Yunnan Province
• 1 key laboratory for universities in Yunnan Province
• 2 academician workstations
• Key Laboratory for Universities in Yunnan Province: Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Innovation and Sustainable Utilization
• Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province: Yunnan Aromatic Biotechnology Engineering Research Center

Research Achievements

According to the college’s official website in August 2021, it is involved in over 40 ongoing national natural science foundation projects and various tobacco projects at provincial and national levels, with more than 100 authorized patents. The college has received over 10 provincial-level scientific and technological awards from the National Tobacco Corporation and the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government, and over 30 scientific achievements awards from provincial tobacco enterprises.

Research Awards

• Project Name: Agricultural Science Research Methods
  Award Category: Third Prize for Excellent Achievements in Educational Science Research in Yunnan Province (2006)

Cultural Traditions

Emblem

The college’s emblem features green and yellow as standard colors and adopts a circular design. It consists of two concentric circles forming two main areas, with the annular area between the circles used to display the college’s name and its English name. The central part features a stylized tobacco leaf pattern as the main element of the emblem. The upper and lower edges of the outer part are marked with the college name in both Chinese and English.

Current Leadership

Position	Name
Party Secretary	Li Zuosen
Dean	Liu Yating
Deputy Secretary	Wang Liping
Deputy Deans	Wang Na, Chen Jianbin

Yunnan tobacco, particularly Yunnan flue-cured tobacco, is renowned for its exceptional quality and is a significant part of China’s tobacco industry. Here’s a more detailed look at its features and significance:

Key Characteristics

• Quality and Appearance: Yunnan tobacco is known for its shiny, plump leaves with a delicate texture and golden color. Its high gloss and flexibility make it highly desirable for cigarette production.
• Chemical Composition: It has moderate nicotine content and high sugar content, contributing to its good combustibility, fragrant aroma, and mild taste, making it popular among smokers.

Market Presence

• Production and Supply: Yunnan tobacco not only meets local cigarette production needs but is also supplied to 84 cigarette factories across 22 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China.
• National Recognition: It gained international acclaim after winning first place in the 1995 national flue-cured tobacco quality appraisal. It plays a significant role in high-end cigarette brands like Chunghwa, which uses about one-third Yunnan tobacco in its blends.
• Famous Brands: Notable cigarette brands that use Yunnan tobacco include Yunyan, Hongtashan, Ashima, Stone Forest, Gonghexin, The Scarlet Camellia, Hongmei, 99, and Honghe, all of which have various specifications catering to different consumer preferences.

Global Market

Yunnan tobacco has a thriving market not just in mainland China but also in numerous countries and regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Cultivation

• Ideal Growing Conditions: The region’s climate and soil are highly favorable for flue-cured tobacco cultivation.
• Expansion: Since its introduction in 1941, Yunnan flue-cured tobacco has been cultivated in over 70 counties across cities such as Yuxi, Qujing, Chuxiong, Zhaotong, Dali, Honghe, and Kunming.
• Top Varieties: The primary varieties cultivated include “Honghua Dajinyuan” and “Speight G-28,” both recognized globally for their quality.

Production Rankings

Yunnan ranks second in China for flue-cured tobacco yields, following Henan, highlighting its importance in the national tobacco landscape.

Overall, Yunnan tobacco plays a critical role in the tobacco industry, with its unique characteristics and quality making it a favorite among both domestic and international consumers.

Smoking in China is prevalent, as the People’s Republic of China is the world’s largest consumer and producer of tobacco. As of 2022, there are around 300 million Chinese smokers, and 2.4 trillion cigarettes are sold there every year, accounting for 46% of the world total.

Tobacco Industry

The China National Tobacco Corporation is, by sales, the largest single manufacturer of tobacco products in the world and boasts a monopoly in mainland China, generating nearly $213 billion in revenue in 2022. Within the Chinese guanxi system, tobacco is still a ubiquitous gift acceptable on any occasion, particularly outside urban areas. Tobacco control exists as smoking bans, but public enforcement is rare outside the largest cities, such as Shanghai and Beijing. Furthermore, outside the largest cities in China, smoking is considered socially acceptable anywhere at any time, even if it is technically illegal. Smoking is a social custom in the PRC, and giving cigarettes at any social interaction is a sign of respect and friendliness.

Tobacco Control Organizations

The Chinese Association on Tobacco Control (中国控制吸烟协会; Zhōngguó kòngzhì xīyān xiéhuì) is engaged in tobacco control by members of the voluntary sector, including academic, social, and mass organizations, as strong enforcement of existing tobacco control laws is not supported by the Chinese Government.

Tobacco Control Legislation

Overview of Regulations

On May 20, 2009, the Ministry of Health of China issued a formal decision to completely ban smoking in all health administration offices and medical facilities by the year 2011. The enactment of the May 20 initiative represented an important landmark in China’s commitment to tobacco control. However, due to the Chinese government’s complex relationship with tobacco policy (for instance, many localities rely upon tobacco tax revenue as a substantial source of income), there have been many concerns about the practicality of the national policy’s enforcement.

In addition to the May 20 measure, numerous provincial and city-level administrations in China have also enacted policies to control the prevalence and health impacts of smoking within the last decade.

WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

On October 11, 2005, China became the 78th country in the world to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international treaty intended to reduce tobacco-related disease and death. Under the conditions of the FCTC, China is required to completely ban “promotion and sponsorship on radio, television, print media, and the Internet within five years,” as well as to prohibit tobacco companies from sponsoring international events or activities. China has also resolved to ban all tobacco vending machines, as well as smoking in indoor workplaces, public areas, and public transportation vehicles.

Despite China’s own widespread and complex smoking issue, the ratification of the FCTC in China represents a significant commitment to tobacco control in international public health policy. According to Dr. Shigeru Omi, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific region, “implementing the Convention will not be easy, as smoking is an ingrained habit in China … but the Government has made clear its commitment to take action.” In light of the FCTC, concerns about international image, and strong support from both citizens and domestic health authorities, the Chinese government has become increasingly involved in tobacco prevention and tobacco-related health promotion programs.

Ministry of Health Report

The Ministry of Health had already maintained active involvement in decrying the negative effects of smoking and striving toward decreased prevalence of tobacco use. On May 29, 2007, the Ministry released a report (2007 年中国控制吸烟报告—The 2007 China Smoking Control Report) detailing alarming levels of secondhand smoke exposure (affecting over 540 million Chinese citizens), recommendations for legislation to reduce harm from secondhand smoke, and the feasibility of implementing public smoking bans based upon polling data. Notably, the report agreed with international scientific consensus about secondhand smoke, citing numerous findings from public health authorities in other countries to assert the conclusion that “there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” that ventilation equipment is ineffective in reducing the harm from exposure to second-hand smoke, and that the most effective protective public health measure against smoking is a legislative ban of smoking in public places. With an explicitly stated objective of “building smoke-free environments for the sake of enjoying healthy life,” the report has received strong support and praise from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a U.S. health advocacy group based in Washington, D.C.

In addition, the report suggested a strong likelihood of success for the implementation of complete public smoking bans in seven major urban areas based on demonstrated widespread popular support for such measures. According to an analysis by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, polling data in the Ministry of Health report revealed:

“Overwhelming public support for the enactment of totally smoke-free public spaces … support for total smoking bans exceeds support for partial smoking bans … Among smokers, the polls found that 93.5% support a total ban on smoking in all schools, 75.5% support a total ban in hospitals, and 94.3% support a total ban in all public transport. Among non-smokers, 95.1% support a total ban in all schools, 78.1% support a total ban in hospitals, and over 93.8% support a ban in public transport. Some 70.6% of non-smokers support some type of smoking ban in bars and restaurants.

Nationwide Ban Initiatives

Although China still lags behind many countries in implementing tobacco control policy, the Ministry of Health’s May 20 initiative helped to establish more unified smoking controls and codify public health authority at broad administrative levels. From 2009, Projects sponsored by the Bloomberg Initiative and directed by Yang Tingzhong were designed as the first program to prohibit all forms of smoking in university campuses in China. The Ministry’s “Decision” formally requests local governmental units to “set up multi-agency FCTC Implementation Leading Small Groups” to assist with regional strategies of enforcement, with the explicit goal that:

“by the year 2010, all health administration offices, both military and non-military, and at least 50% of all medical and health institutions should become smoke-free units, so that the goal of a total smoking ban in all health administration offices and medical and health institutions can be fulfilled by 2011.”

The “Decision” also encourages health administration offices to utilize mass media resources and draw upon large-scale publicity campaigns such as World No Tobacco Day to “actively promote the importance of implementing a total smoking ban in military and civil health administration offices and medical and health institutions.”

Public Opinion

As polls from the 2007 Ministry of Health report showed, there is widespread public approval of smoking bans among residents of urban areas. Various health experts, activists, and public advocacy groups regard the Chinese government’s escalating efforts toward tobacco policy as “surely good news for the country’s smoking control progress.” Notable support also exists within the sphere of representative politics; allegedly, political advisors of the CPPCC have even gone so far as to call for smoke-free legislative sessions.

However, widespread apathy and tacit acceptance toward smoking policy are likely to predominate within large portions of the Chinese population. China has a relatively low social disapproval rate of smoking—according to the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project (ITC), “only 59% of smokers think that Chinese society disapproves of smoking,” which is the fourth lowest rate of 14 ITC countries surveyed.

Dissent and Unresolved Issues

Given the complex and multifaceted nature of political agendas in China, governmental public-health-related interests often clash with economic interests. Because tobacco remains a significant source of both health risks and revenue for municipal and national governing entities, specific Chinese tobacco control policies in different contexts may betray an overall position of ambivalence or inconsistency. For instance, local exemptions to public indoor smoking bans are often made for small businesses, particularly in the restaurant and entertainment industries. Such indeterminate enforcements of supposedly well-defined public health regulations in practice may limit the impact of de jure national smoking bans. In practice, it is often the case that only some government offices, schools, museums, some hospitals, and sports venues effectively function as smoke-free areas. In addition, the cultural basis of smoking in China presents a significant barrier to de facto acceptance and integration of smoking control policies. According to Li Xinhua, an expert on tobacco-control publicity and education in the Ministry of Health, “about 60 percent of medical workers and professors are smokers [and thus in violation of the law calling for a complete public smoking ban]. Some of them even smoke boldly in hospitals or schools.” This is problematic because, regardless of whether these professionals continue to smoke out of habit, social custom, or “apparent disregard” for evidence of smoking risk, they are still expected to “behave themselves and set a good example for others in tobacco control,” Li says.

Also, enforcement of national tobacco-control policies is still largely sparse in rural areas, where the state-owned China National Tobacco Corporation exerts much of its influence in tobacco production and marketing. As a response to FCTC recommendations for reduction of access and supply-side tobacco regulation, the Ministry of Health is now targeting farmers to give up tobacco plantations and trying to “convince them that the tobacco industry can be replaced by other industries that are more healthy, sustainable, and profitable.”

Another potential obstacle is the Chinese tobacco industry’s lack of complete compliance with nationally defined policies regarding the correct presentation of warning labels on cigarette packages, which must be readily visible and cover at least 30% of the visible area of the packaging. Wu Yiqun, vice executive director with the Beijing-based Thinktank Research Center for Health Development, criticized China’s tobacco industry supervisory administration for “[failing] to oversee Chinese tobacco producers” in this aspect.

Furthermore, the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project brings up the following persistent smoking issues in its 2009 report focused on China:

• Infrequent enforcement of smoking bans across various sectors of society.
• Limited efforts in public outreach to encourage cessation of smoking.
• Lack of assistance available for smokers who wish to quit, including stop-smoking programs or quitlines, especially in rural areas.
• The presence of passive smoking as a leading public health threat, especially for women and children.
• Weak implementation of the smoke-free legislation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while tobacco control measures in China have made progress over the past few decades, enforcement and compliance remain inconsistent. Public attitudes toward smoking are complex and varied, and the tobacco industry continues to hold significant power in the country’s economy. Comprehensive strategies combining regulation, public health advocacy, and social attitudes will be essential for reducing smoking prevalence and addressing the associated health risks in the future.

Introduction

Over the past two years, many people have encountered difficulties due to the advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed many concerns, such as social isolation and loneliness, drastic lifestyle changes, uncertainty about the future, and financial pressure. Some people reported smoking more than usual to reduce stress or loneliness, which has made more individuals vulnerable to exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS). As we know, there is no safe level of exposure to SHS, and even brief exposure can cause harm. Under these circumstances, it is crucial to reiterate the topic of protecting people from the harms of SHS.

To help countries fulfill the promise of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), WHO has established MPOWER, a package of the six most important and effective tobacco control policies: Monitoring Tobacco Use and Prevention Policies (M), Protecting People from Tobacco Smoke (P), Offering Help to Quit Tobacco Use (O), Warning about the Dangers of Tobacco (W), Enforcing Bans on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship (E), and Raising Taxes on Tobacco (R). China ratified the WHO FCTC in 2005. It has been more than 16 years since the FCTC came into force in 2006. However, China still has a significant population exposed to SHS, with an estimation of 702 million people based on the 68.1% SHS prevalence in 2018. According to the WHO report of 2021, in China, the “Protecting People from Tobacco Smoke” (P) received the lowest grade compared to the other five strategies. Therefore, this article will analyze the current status and challenges for P in China.

SHS: A Serious Issue in China

The WHO FCTC requires each Party to provide a completely smoke-free environment in indoor workplaces, public transport, indoor public places, and other public areas. However, the indoor environment in China remains a serious issue.

In 2010, 740 million (72.4%) non-smokers were exposed to SHS in public places in China. By 2018, the prevalence decreased slightly to 68.1%, but the total exposed population was still more than 700 million. In 2018, 50.9% reported exposure to SHS occurring at indoor workplaces and 44.9% at home. The worst exposures in indoor public places were in internet cafes (89.3%), nightclubs & bars (87.5%), and restaurants (73.3%).

Health Problems Caused by SHS

The scientific evidence of the harm of SHS has been conclusively established since 1986, following the US Surgeon General’s report. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to SHS contributes to various serious and often fatal diseases in non-smokers, including lung cancer, cardiovascular and other chronic diseases, and sudden infant death syndrome. The WHO report of 2009 estimated that SHS caused about 600,000 premature deaths annually worldwide. The Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2019 study estimated this number had doubled, reaching 1.304 million. Most deaths attributable to SHS occurred among children and women.

In China, the vast population exposed to SHS leads to a significant burden of disease. Research has indicated that SHS caused around 22,200 deaths from lung cancer and 33,800 deaths from ischemic heart disease (IHD) in 2002. According to GBD 2019 results, the largest number of deaths attributed to SHS was observed in China, increasing from 382,000 in 2010 to 416,000 in 2019. In 2019, deaths attributable to SHS in China accounted for 31.9% of the world’s total.

Fortunately, smoke-free laws can reduce exposure to SHS. A 100% smoke-free environment is the only proven way to adequately protect health from the harmful effects of SHS. Smoke-free policies have been shown to decrease SHS exposure by 80%–90% in high-exposure settings. Additionally, scientific evidence establishes that an immediate reduction in heart attacks and respiratory problems results from implementing a 100% smoke-free policy, with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) being the most sensitive disease to these policies.

Milestones in Controlling SHS in China

Tobacco control in China has been ongoing for more than 40 years, dating back to the late 1970s. In 1979, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other ministries jointly issued a notice on health education regarding the harm caused by smoking and control measures. Between 1988 and 1998, various campaigns for smoke-free hospitals, schools, and public transport were conducted, supported by international organizations like WHO and the World Bank.

In 1997, China hosted the 10th World Conference on Tobacco or Health, which was significant for tobacco control efforts. Notably, prior to this conference, China implemented a national policy banning smoking in public transport and waiting areas.

In 2003, China actively joined the WHO FCTC as the 77th party member, and the FCTC came into force in China in 2006. In 2007, the State Council approved establishing the WHO FCTC implementation coordination mechanism, with the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) as the leading group, which violated Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC. In 2018, the implementation coordination mechanism was reorganized with the National Health Commission (NHC) as the chair, marking significant progress.

Following 2016, in the Post-FCTC era, China launched more tobacco control initiatives, including creating a nationwide smoke-free medical and health system, holding the “Smoke-Free Olympics” in 2008, and enacting local legislations for smoke-free indoor public places. The China Tobacco Control Action Plan (2012–2015) was released in 2012 to meet Article 5.1 of WHO FCTC requirements, but unfortunately, by the end of 2015, its goals were not achieved. Currently, the plan remains a national tobacco control plan without follow-up. One encouraging step is the inclusion of tobacco control in the Healthy China 2030 Strategy, set by the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party in 2016. The Healthy China Action Plan (2019–2030) includes two targets: 1) reducing smoking prevalence among people aged over 15 to lower than 24.5% by 2022 and 20% by 2030, and 2) achieving 30% and 80% of the population protected by 100% smoking bans by 2022 and 2030, respectively.

Absence of Comprehensive National Smoke-Free Law

According to Article 8 of the WHO FCTC, each Party must enact a comprehensive national smoke-free law. The WHO report of 2021 indicated that 67 countries received Grade I for P, where smoking bans were at best-practice level. Among them, 72% were middle- or low-income countries. However, China received the lowest grade (Grade IV) for this strategy, indicating a complete absence of a national ban or only two public places completely smoke-free across the country.

After 16 years of implementing the WHO FCTC, China still has not met its obligations and lacks a comprehensive national smoke-free law. On November 24, 2014, a long-awaited draft national tobacco control guideline was released by China’s State Council, aiming to reduce tobacco smoke harms and protect public health. This draft was meant to gather public feedback by the end of 2014, but it has not progressed since then.

The Chinese population is eager for 100% national smoke-free regulations. A national survey in 2018 showed high support for a smoke-free ban in public places, with over 90% supporting a ban in indoor workplaces and public spaces. Support for restaurants and bars/nightclubs was slightly lower, at 80% and 60%, respectively. Even smokers showed considerable support.

Smoke-Free Legislation at the Subnational Level

Currently, approximately 1.8 billion people (a quarter of the world’s population) live in 67 countries (34%) covered by the best-practice smoke-free laws worldwide.

In China, although there is no comprehensive national smoke-free law, momentum continues to grow at the subnational level. More than 20 cities have taken promising steps to enact laws or regulations that meet WHO FCTC requirements, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and others. Notably, in 2021, Beijing upgraded its comprehensive smoke-free law in line with the amended Minors Protection Law, emphasizing youth protection from SHS. As for the Healthy China Action Plan target—30% of the population protected by complete smoking bans by 2022—some provinces have achieved success, including Beijing (100%), Shanghai (100%), and Henan (69.6%).

Some cities have enacted bans on smoking in public places, but they cannot be regarded as smoke-free cities due to unclear requirements for complete smoke-free indoor public spaces, workplaces, and public transport. An example is Chongqing, which allows smoking areas in restaurants, hotels, and places of amusement, setting a negative precedent for tobacco control in China.

In brief, only 195 million people (13.8% of the population) are protected from a smoke-free environment, indicating a significant gap from the Healthy China Action Plan targets.

Current Status of Policy Enforcement in China

Smoking prevalence is declining in cities with comprehensive smoke-free laws. Beijing and Shanghai began enforcing comprehensive smoke-free laws in 2015 and 2017, respectively, leading to a decline in smoking prevalence rates. In 2014, one year after enforcing a 100% smoke-free policy in public places, Beijing reported a drop in smoking prevalence rates from 29.6% to 22.9%. Additionally, according to the China Tobacco Control Survey (CTCS) conducted in 2019, the smoking prevalence in Beijing dropped to 21.7%. Shanghai witnessed a decline in smoking prevalence from 25% in 2013 to 22% in 2019.

In contrast, while smoking prevalence is declining in cities with comprehensive smoke-free laws, in cities with weaker enforcement, the prevalence of smoking is stable or increasing. The 2020 CTCS revealed that smoking prevalence in Guangzhou remained stable at 23.2%, and the prevalence rate of SHS exposure in public places in Guangdong province increased from 55.7% in 2018 to 67.4% in 2020.

However, the effective implementation of smoke-free laws has faced significant challenges. Enforcement of local regulations has been weak, with violations often unpunished. For example, during a survey conducted by Beijing University and the National Health Commission in 2018, 29.7% of smokers reported being able to smoke indoors in public places. Smoking was particularly prevalent in internet cafes, bars, and restaurants, where enforcement was often lacking. In contrast, the self-regulation of bars and nightclubs failed to meet expectations, leading to inadequate protection against SHS for non-smokers. Public places like schools, hospitals, and other organizations often lack comprehensive smoking policies.

Tobacco Industry Interference

According to Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC, the tobacco industry has a clear conflict of interest in promoting tobacco products, and Parties should adopt measures to protect public health policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.

The tobacco industry has a long history in China, dating back to the late 19th century. The country has the largest tobacco industry in the world, producing around 2.5 trillion cigarettes annually. Consequently, the industry has exerted significant influence over tobacco control measures in China, obstructing the development of comprehensive national smoke-free laws.

Government regulations must balance tobacco control and economic interests. However, the dominance of the tobacco industry has hindered tobacco control efforts. For example, although China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) has implemented measures to control tobacco sales, its dual role as both regulator and promoter of the industry raises serious conflicts of interest. Tobacco companies continue to exert influence over local governments, which has hampered the enforcement of local smoke-free laws and the promotion of public health policies.

Conclusion

In summary, protecting people from tobacco smoke in China faces significant challenges. The lack of a comprehensive national smoke-free law continues to expose a substantial population to SHS. Despite progress at the subnational level, enforcement of existing laws remains weak. Continued efforts to strengthen tobacco control policies, promote public awareness, and protect against tobacco industry interference are essential to improve public health outcomes in China. To protect the health of non-smokers, especially children, it is critical for China to fully implement its commitments to the WHO FCTC and strive toward a smoke-free environment for all.

Current Status

In recent years, China has made strides in tobacco control and protecting public health from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. As the world’s largest consumer of tobacco, the country faces significant health challenges due to high smoking rates and widespread exposure to secondhand smoke.

1. Legislation and Policies:
   • The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has influenced China’s tobacco policies, prompting the government to implement stricter regulations on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
   • Local regulations have been enacted in several cities to create smoke-free environments in public spaces such as restaurants, workplaces, and public transportation.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns:
   • Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have launched campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke.
   • Campaigns target various demographics, including youth and women, to discourage tobacco use and promote healthier lifestyles.
3. Health Initiatives:
   • The Chinese government has recognized the need for tobacco control as part of its broader public health agenda, aiming to reduce smoking prevalence and improve overall health outcomes.
   • Smoking cessation programs and resources have been introduced to support individuals seeking to quit smoking.

Challenges

Despite these efforts, several challenges remain in effectively protecting the public from tobacco smoke:

1. High Smoking Prevalence:
   • China has one of the highest smoking rates in the world, with millions of smokers and a culture that often normalizes tobacco use.
   • Rural areas tend to have higher smoking rates, and awareness of the risks associated with smoking may be lower in these communities.
2. Weak Enforcement of Regulations:
   • While regulations exist, enforcement is often inconsistent, and violations of smoke-free laws can occur without repercussions.
   • Local authorities may lack the resources or motivation to effectively enforce existing regulations.
3. Influence of the Tobacco Industry:
   • The China National Tobacco Corporation holds significant economic power and influence, which can hinder comprehensive tobacco control efforts.
   • The industry’s lobbying efforts and marketing strategies continue to promote tobacco use, undermining public health initiatives.
4. Cultural Attitudes:
   • Social norms surrounding smoking can complicate efforts to change attitudes towards tobacco use.
   • Tobacco is often associated with social interactions, and quitting can be challenging for many individuals due to peer pressure and cultural expectations.
5. Limited Access to Cessation Resources:
   • Although cessation programs exist, access to resources and support for quitting smoking is still limited in many areas, particularly rural regions.
   • Health care providers may not always receive training to effectively support patients in quitting smoking.

Conclusion

Protecting people from tobacco smoke in China requires ongoing efforts to strengthen legislation, improve enforcement, and increase public awareness. While significant progress has been made, addressing the challenges posed by high smoking prevalence, cultural attitudes, and industry influence is essential for creating a healthier environment and reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases in the country. Enhanced collaboration between government, NGOs, and health professionals can lead to more effective tobacco control strategies and ultimately protect the health of the population.

Yunnan Tobacco Redrying Co., Ltd. Qujing Shizong Redrying Factory云南烟叶复烤有限责任公司曲靖师宗复烤厂 is a key facility in the tobacco processing industry located in Shizong County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China. This factory specializes in the redrying of tobacco leaves, playing a significant role in ensuring the quality and preparation of raw tobacco for production.

Overview

• Location: Shizong County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China
• Industry: Tobacco processing and redrying

Key Functions and Operations

Tobacco Redrying

• Purpose: The primary function of the factory is to redry cured tobacco leaves, achieving the optimal moisture content necessary for quality tobacco production.
• Methods: Utilizes advanced technology and equipment for effective redrying, ensuring the preservation of flavor and overall quality of the tobacco.

Quality Control

• Standards: Implements rigorous quality control measures to ensure that the redried tobacco meets both national and international quality standards.
• Testing: Conducts regular testing and evaluations of tobacco leaves to maintain high production standards.

Research and Development

• Innovation: Engages in research and development to improve redrying processes and explore new methods that enhance the quality of tobacco.
• Collaboration: Works with agricultural experts and research institutions to stay updated on best practices in tobacco processing.

Sustainability Practices

• Environmental Responsibility: Committed to sustainable operations, focusing on energy efficiency and waste reduction.
• Community Engagement: Participates in community initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability in the local area.

Economic Impact

• Job Creation: Provides employment opportunities for local residents, contributing to the economic growth of Shizong County.
• Support for Local Farmers: Collaborates with local tobacco farmers to source high-quality raw materials, supporting the local agricultural economy.

Community Involvement

• Social Initiatives: Involved in local community development projects, including educational programs and health initiatives.
• Support for Farmers: Offers training and resources to local farmers to improve their cultivation techniques and enhance tobacco quality.

Conclusion

Yunnan Tobacco Redrying Co., Ltd. Qujing Shizong Redrying Factory is an essential component of the tobacco industry in Yunnan, focusing on the redrying of tobacco leaves to ensure high quality for production. Through its commitment to quality control, sustainability, and community involvement, the factory plays a crucial role in supporting local economies and enhancing the overall tobacco supply chain.