PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - T-W Hu
AU  - Z Mao
AU  - M Ong
AU  - E Tong
AU  - M Tao
AU  - H Jiang
AU  - K Hammond
AU  - K R Smith
AU  - J de Beyer
AU  - A Yurekli
TI  - China at the crossroads: the economics of tobacco and health
AID  - 10.1136/tc.2005.014621
DP  - 2006 Jun 01
TA  - Tobacco Control
PG  - i37--i41
VI  - 15
IP  - suppl 1
4099  - http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/15/suppl_1/i37.short
4100  - http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/15/suppl_1/i37.full
SO  - Tob Control2006 Jun 01; 15
AB  - Objective: To analyse economic aspects of tobacco control policy issues in China. Methods: Published and collected survey data were used to analyse economic consequences of smoking. Economic analysis was used to address the role of tobacco farmers and the cigarette industry in the Chinese economy. Results: In the agricultural sector, tobacco has the lowest economic rate of return of all cash crops. At the same time, the tobacco industry’s tax contribution to the central government has been declining. Conclusion: Economic gains become less important as the negative health impact of smoking on the population garners more awareness. China stands at a crossroads to implement the economic promises of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and promote the health of its population.