Experts say tobacco control program "smoky" (2)

The China Tobacco Control Program (2012-2015) was released on Friday by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

According to the program, authorities plan to expand the size of warning labels on cigarette packs, as well as enlarge their type and highlight some words in color, in order to dissuade smokers. The program does not include plans to put graphic images on the packs, as is done in some countries.

"This means graphic warnings on cigarette packs are unlikely to appear in China before 2016," said Wu.

China ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003, pledging measures to curb tobacco use -- including placing clear warnings regarding the harmful effects of tobacco on cigarette packs.

By October, 63 countries and regions that have ratified the FCTC had used or decided to use graphic images on cigarette packs.

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