Drugs have been linked to every aspect of China's economy, polity, society and culture since the early 19th century. This analysis chronicles the evolution of China's anti-narcotics movement from its shaky beginnings in 1906, through its dramatic success in the early years of the communist regime.

The first comprehensive analysis of anti-drug crusades in twentieth-century China, this book chronicles the evolution of ChinaAIs anti-narcotics movement from its shaky but enthusiastic beginnings in 1906, through its dramatic success in the early years of the communist regime, to its continuance today in the face of resurgent opium and heroin use. Especially valuable is the authorAIs detailed description of the CCPAIs successful opium eradication campaigns in the early 1950s, which includes previously unavailable archival information and personal interviews. This rich and multifaceted story will be essential reading for Asia scholars and narcotics researchers alike.

Nationalisation, reform, and anti-opium mobilisation in late Quing
nationalism and the anti-drug mobilisation of the Shanghai elite, 1924-1927
society versus state - NAOA and opium policies of the nationalists, 1927-1934
the six-year opium suppression plan and the new life movement
nationalism, identity, and state building - anti-drug crusades in the Peoples' Republic, 1949-1952
facing drugs again - anti-drug campaigns in the 1990s.