NOVEMBER 12, 2003

China signs tobacco agreement

The Chinese government has signed the World Health Organization's Framework Agreement on Tobacco Control, committing itself to the eradication of tobacco advertising in the long term.

The Chinese government has signed the World Health Organization's Framework Agreement on Tobacco Control, committing itself to the eradication of tobacco advertising in the long term. This is a second major victory for the WHO following the recent signature of Germany, which had openly opposed the agreement. The signature means that government representing more than half the people on earth have now signed the treaty. The treaty will come into effect 90 days after the 40th country ratifies the agreement. To date 77 have signed but only three have ratified the deal although many more are working on it.

The signing of the Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Wang Guangya, flies in the face of the country's plans to hold a Formula 1 Grand Prix next year with tobacco advertising being allowed.