ABSTRACT
China is an ancient country with a long history of civilization. Chinese food is renowned both at home and abroad, and alcohol is a significant part of the Chinese diet. Before 1980, in general, alcohol consumption was lower and alcohol-related social and health problems were less serious in China than in Western industrialized countries. From the start of the "open policy" in the 1980s to the end of 1996, China experienced tremendous socioeconomic change and achieved sustained economic growth, with an average annual increase in its gross domestic product (GDP) of 11.8 percent ( Beijing Review, 1995). In 1996 the GDP was 6,780 billion yuan, with a 9.7 percent increase from 1995 (State Statistical Bureau, 1997). This growth rate was much higher than the world average of 6 percent and an average of 8 percent for Asia as a whole. China's industrialization in recent decades has been accompanied by an improved standard of living and the influence of Western culture, which has included a significant increase in alcohol consumption and related problems. This chapter draws on a variety of sources of information to describe the patterns and problems of alcohol use in China. The material reviewed includes scientific books and papers published in China as well as reports in the official news media. The statistics and research findings set out in this chapter are often difficult to evaluate because of the lack of clear criteria and systematic recording of the necessary information. Nevertheless, they are considered a reflection of the current status of alcohol use in China.
