China

Researchers searched four popular social media platforms in China—Douyin (TikTok), Weibo, Weixin (WeChat), and Xiaohongshu—to examine the marketing strategies used and product characteristics advertised by e-cigarette brands on social media.

To date, China has not approved any heated tobacco products (HTPs) for sale, and current regulations on e-cigarettes include the following: 

In China, tobacco sales are prohibited near schools, although a distance is not specified in the national law. Tobacco advertising at the point of sale is banned.

Adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to nicotine addiction, and rates of youth tobacco use in China remain high. Although China implemented a ban on tobacco advertising in public places, Chinese youth remain exposed to tobacco marketing.

This study explored the nature and extent of tobacco advertising and promotions at POS near 904 junior, senior and vocational high schools in rural and urban areas of 10 cities across China.

Second-hand smoke in the home, even those with children present, is a major public health issue in China. Households with children were more likely to limit smoking to certain areas of the home but not ban it altogether. See the results from a study in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzen.

The practice of gifting cigarettes is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and found throughout China regardless of economic or smoking status.1 The gifting of cigarettes, particularly premium brands, is considered both a sign of respect and a status symbol and is particularly common during holidays

Picture-based health warning labels (HWLs) on cigarette packages are an essential component of a national strategy to reduce tobacco use.