As an asthmatic, I find smoking a danger to my health and an offense to others that should be curbed. But plans to reduce smoking in China may be an uphill struggle, because smoking seems to have become a part of Chinese culture. In many places in China, smoking seems to be a part of social life, particularly among men.

The ban on smoking in public places has been successfully implemented in many Western countries. The campaign was helped by years of publicity on the harms caused by smoking and the raising of taxes on tobacco.

If Chinese authorities strictly enforce the ban on smoking (unlike traffic laws), maybe they will succeed and benefit the public.

TedM, via e-mail

Readers' comments are welcome. Please send your e-mail to opinion@chinadaily.com.cn or letters@chinadaily.com.cn or to the individual columnists. China Daily reserves the right to edit all letters. Thank you.