The Chinese government has been working to contain the harm of smoking since 1979. It has issued several smoking regulations, including controls on adult smoking, tobacco advertisements, and public smoking bans.

So far, 18 cities including Beijing have released local regulations in line with the WHO's Tobacco Framework Convention. Beijing's regulation implemented since June last year has been considered the strictest in China.

Meanwhile, the National Health and Family Planning Commission has been actively collecting public opinion for its draft proposal on public smoking controls. The commission submitted its draft to the State Council in November 2014. Under the proposal, smoking bans will be imposed on all indoor public places, workplaces and public transport vehicles. It also proposes a total smoking ban in open-air space in schools, women and children's hospitals, and outdoor waiting zones of public transportation hubs. WHO has applauded the efforts.

"The Beijing law is the strongest in China, one of the strongest we have worldwide. It's in full compliance with WHO tobacco framework convention, which regulates. It's enforced very well, in-door places. This law is good model, shows it can be done in other cities. Hoping for a national law," WHO representative in China Dr. Bernhard Schwartlnder said.