China's recent decision to ban tobacco advertising may send the ambitions of international cigarette giants up in spoke. With a population of nearly 1.2 billion and one of every three smokers in the world, the Chinese market offers new opportunities for majors such as Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco who are under seige in the US. (see Down to Earth, August 15, 1994).

The ban, to come into effect in February, extends to advertising in the media and public places, such as theatres and sporting events. It also prohibits the hardsell of the fictitious benefits of cosmetics, alcohol and medical products.