Construction of a 'civilised smoking environment': a novel strategy undermining tobacco control efforts in China

Objective: In 2018, the Chinese tobacco industry initiated the nationwide 'civilised smoking environment' campaign via a 5-year action plan. The goal of this study was to analyse content of reports regarding this topic as evidence to policy-makers to prevent interference from the tobacco industry.

Methods: A search of WiseNews, a Chinese media information service provider, for reports regarding the 'civilised smoking environment' between January 2018 and December 2022. Reports were coded separately by two trained researchers using a codebook developed by the team, including four sections with 19 items.

Results: A total of 1062 reports were included, of which 66.5% were from general media. Key themes include mention of approaches to promote the civilised smoking environment (59.8%), primarily by establishing civilised smoking areas (86.1%). A majority of reports (72.9%) disclosed key promoters of these initiatives, including the Tobacco Monopoly Administration (69.5%), Tobacco Corporation (52.3%) and other government agencies (20.4%). Funders were mentioned in 252 reports (23.7%), primarily the Tobacco Monopoly Administration (60.3%) and Tobacco Corporation (50.8%). Most reports (92.8%) supported these initiatives, while only 45 (4.2%) opposed it.

Conclusions: 'Civilised smoking environment' in China was promoted and financed primarily by tobacco industry and widely supported by media. This undermines smoke-free environments and violates the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. China's government should cease its involvement in these initiatives, and government agencies should refrain from agreeing, supporting, cooperating or participating in these activities.