Smoking control hindered by realities

Factors ranging from local protectionism to lack of legal support are barriers to anti-smoking campaigns despite the government's stepped-up efforts, a top legislator has acknowledged.

Han Qide, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress - the country's top legislature - said the country faces a dire situation with more women, especially professionals, and youngsters taking to smoking - which directly or indirectly kills 1 million Chinese a year.

The government is concerned and has taken a slew of countermeasures, Han told a forum on smoking control over the weekend.