Describing the evolution of three features of China’s drug policy: Regulation, crime and punishment, and rehabilitation

Abstract

In view of evolving problematic drug use patterns and shifts in social governance, China’s drug control efforts have undergone significant changes over the past few decades. The aim of this paper is to describe the evolution of three features of China’s drug policy. First, although still operating within a reactive framework, the legislative basis for drug control is progressively improving and exhibits shifts towards greater precision and responsiveness, especially with reference to New Psychoactive Substances. Second, the scope of drug crimes under criminal law has broadened, accompanied by a trend toward harsher sentencing. This trend signifies the punitive and deterrent objectives in addressing drug crimes. Third, despite notable improvements, the current rehabilitation system remains focused on containment and control, with punitive undertones. These features exhibit a high degree of overlap and are shaped by shared underlying logics. While these transformations have been influenced by historical, political and international circumstances and environments, the principle of prohibition remains deeply rooted in the policy.