Policy Digest

Anti-drug drive focuses on educating youths

A nationwide campaign has been launched to protect young Chinese from the growing threat of drug-related online content and criminal activities involving addictive substances such as narcotic and psychotropic drugs, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China on Friday.

The campaign, jointly initiated by seven government departments including the CAC, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Security, will run from June to December this year.

A joint initiative released by these authorities highlights the risks of misusing medically regulated substances such as dextromethorphan, etomidate and tramadol.

It warns teenagers not to fall for misleading narratives that downplay the dangers of such substances, and calls on families and society to share responsibility in the fight against drugs.

In recent years, the pattern of drug abuse in China has shifted significantly, with the misuse of narcotic and psychotropic drugs growing rapidly in the country, posing a serious risk to public health, particularly among adolescents.

Campaign to improve medical quality, safety

China has initiated a yearlong nationwide campaign to address systemic issues in medical quality and patient safety across all secondary and higher-level medical institutions, according to a document issued by the National Health Commission on Friday.

Running from June 2025 to May 2026, a special rectification action on medical quality and safety, launched by the NHC and two other government departments, targets 10 major issues, including inadequate safety management systems, weak emergency response mechanisms and the improper handling of patient privacy.

The campaign will be carried out in phases under self-assessment, targeted rectification and outcome evaluation, and aims to strengthen institutional accountability, identify and fix potential risks, and build a robust internal quality control system within healthcare facilities.

The goal is to ensure patient safety and enhance the overall medical service experience for the public.

Ministry reaffirms resolve in combating cybercrimes

China has pledged to maintain a tough stance against cybercrime and further strengthen governance of cyberspace, according to a national meeting held in Beijing on Friday.

The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Public Security, underscored the country's determination to combat all forms of illegal online activity to safeguard political security, public safety and cybersecurity.

Authorities said the ongoing campaigns are aimed at ensuring that Chinese residents feel a stronger sense of security, happiness and trust in cyberspace.

It called for a law-based, high-intensity crackdown targeting key online offenses, including the infringement of personal data and the spread of online rumors. Major cases will be closely supervised to ensure effective investigations and prosecutions.

The meeting also emphasized the need to build synergy and focus on enhancing policing capacity through a data-driven and technology-enabled model that integrates professional expertise, operational mechanisms, and big data analysis.

The campaign also seeks to establish a robust, long-term system for safeguarding cyberspace to ensure the security of networks, data and personal information.

China Daily - Xinhua