The meeting to implement the “Notice” from general offices of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and the inauguration meeting for the 2015 China tobacco control mass communication activity were held in Beijing on Dec 26. The inauguration meeting was jointly sponsored by the NHFPC, the Central Civilization Office, the Work Committee of the Central Government Departments under the CPC Central Committee, the Work Committee of the Central Government Departments, the CCP Affairs Management Bureau, and the National Government Offices Administration. It was undertaken by the Chinese Center for Health Education. Cui Li, vice-minister of the NHFPC, attended the meeting and spoke on behalf of the hosting units. More than 120 people were present, including officials from the hosting units; members of the interdepartmental coordination leadership team for implementing the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control; personnel from the NHFPC's divisions, subsidiaries and contact organs; representatives from tobacco control institutions and relevant international organizations; and reporters.

Cui pointed out that the general offices of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council have issued the Notice on Leadership Taking the Lead in Banning Smoking in Public Places on Dec 29, 2013. All regions and departments have paid special attention to the notice over the year and actively carried it out. Positive results have been made. Smoking in meeting rooms, offices and public areas has been greatly reduced. A non-smoking social environment is taking shape where smoking is not encouraged. Cigarettes are also not as popular as gifts, receiving wide social support and approval. Relevant parties have taken the opportunity of implementing the two decisions to step up efforts in tobacco control. Tobacco control legal construction has also made breakthroughs. The State Council's Legislative Affairs Office is seeking public opinions to formulate Regulations on Smoking Control in Public Places, which have witnessed a positive response nationwide and from abroad.