Anti-smoking campaign in ChinaChina's smokers account for a third of the world's total.
Edge cardTrevor Metz introduces us to a Chinese anti-smoking campaigner. He has devoted his efforts to helping people kick the habit.
Edge cardZhang Yue, who lives in central China's city of Luoyang, has been traveling the nation to stamp out the smoking, sometimes quite literally.
Anti-smoking campaigner Zhang Yue said, "I've discovered the social reasons for why people smoke. They think that smoking is really good, that it is a cool, stylish thing to do. By my actions, I can change such thoughts. Smoke is just waste, produced from burning matters."
Zhang's preferred method is to roam the streets, presenting smokers with his name card and a pamphlet, before removing and stubbing out their cigarette.
Edge cardHe stalks smokers in public areas,
Edge cardrestaurants and bars day and night, spreading his message, leaving a trail of startled smokers in his wake.
Smoker Ms. Li said, "It's because of heavy pressure at work that I've started smoking. That man, Zhang Yue, his views are all very good but I think his methods are a bit too rude."
According to China's Ministry of Health, smoking is becoming more popular amongst China's female population, estimated to jump by 10 percent. Sixty percent of China's male population smoke, with figures expected to be even higher in rural areas.
Smoker Zhong Weibing said, "Smoking is also a kind of culture. And it's been going on for such a long time, so it cannot all be suddenly stopped."
Edge cardThe Chinese government has tried to curb smoking by imposing bans in taxis,
Edge cardschools and hospitals. Smoking is believed to kill an estimated one million people through tobacco related diseases across the world each year.
