Analysis Of China’s Tobacco Control Policy From The Perspective Of Game Theory

Control of tobacco is a global topic for discussion. With the persistent development of science & technology and cognitive level, knowledge about the harm that tobacco brings to health deepens gradually. Restriction on tobacco seems to be imperative for people’s health, yet at the same time, it may also means reduction of state revenue since tobacco always associates with huge amount of taxes, this is the tradeoff that the government will have to make.The thesis here is to analyze the problems and difficulties that we meet in the process of tobacco restriction in China in the perspective of Game Theory. The divergence of interests targets between central government and local governments, the improper adjustment of local interests by the central government, and the serious lack of regulations on tobacco restriction, are considered as the main reason of the ineffectiveness of tobacco restriction policies by the author. Also, through researching the scale and transition of the tobacco economy, and combining the experiences of advanced countries, the author makes some suggestion on promotion of tobacco restriction. First, interests integration of the major actors in tobacco restriction should be enhanced, administration functions of State Tobacco Monopoly Bureau should be separated from tobacco companies. Secondly, Laws such as The Tobacco Monopoly Law, The Advertisement Law, and The Charity Law, should be mended, and regulations on tobacco restriction in public places should be refined. Thirdly, duties on tobacco should be raised, and measures should be taken to help tobacco economy transition. The author hopes to offer some practical solutions and help solving tobacco restriction issues in our country.