Many thanks to the person who shared that you can ask your local Chinese embassy for a copy of „The Governance Of China“.

I reached out to the Chinese embassy in Vienna and got not only a super friendly response, but also an invite to the embassy + 6 copies of the German translation (2x II, III, IV)!

  • IHave69XiBucks@lemmygrad.ml
    21·
    5 days ago

    It sounds like maybe you think its more severe than it is. Someone using personally caught with a small amount does not generally go to prison. I had DeepSeek summarize Chinas drug laws for you. I think they are quite reasonable honestly. Maybe could be a bit more lenient in some ways and be fine, but they do have a focus on getting people in rehab.

    China enforces stringent drug laws under its Criminal Law and Anti-Drug Law, with severe penalties for offenses. Below is a structured summary of key provisions and punishments:

    1. Legal Framework

    • Criminal Law (Articles 347–355): Governs serious drug crimes (trafficking, manufacturing, possession).
    • Anti-Drug Law (2008): Addresses administrative penalties for drug use and rehabilitation.

    2. Key Offenses and Punishments

    A. Trafficking, Manufacturing, Transporting, or Selling Drugs (Article 347)

    • General Offenses:
      • Minimum Punishment: 3+ years imprisonment, fines.
      • Aggravating Factors (e.g., international trafficking, organized crime, minors involved): 15 years, life imprisonment, or death penalty.
    • Quantity-Based Thresholds (varies by drug type; examples below):
      • “Large Amount”:
        • Heroin/methamphetamine: ≥50 grams.
        • Punishment: 15 years, life, or death + fines/confiscation.
      • “Significant Amount”:
        • Heroin/methamphetamine: ≥10 grams but <50 grams.
        • Punishment: 7+ years imprisonment + fines.
      • “Small Amount”:
        • Any detectable quantity.
        • Punishment: ≤3–7 years + fines.

    B. Illegal Possession (Article 348)

    • Criminal Offense (if above thresholds):
      • “Large Amount”:
        • Heroin/methamphetamine: ≥10 grams.
        • Punishment: ≤3 years imprisonment or detention + fines.
      • “Very Large Amount” or Aggravating Circumstances: Up to 7 years + fines.
    • Below Thresholds: Administrative penalties (detention, rehab).

    C. Drug Use (Anti-Drug Law)

    • Administrative Penalties:
      • First-time offenders: 10–15 days detention + fines.
      • Compulsory Rehabilitation: 3 years (community-based) or 2 years (isolated) for refusal/relapse.

    D. Other Offenses

    • Harboring Users/Providing Venues (Article 354): ≤3 years imprisonment or detention + fines.
    • Drug Planting/Illegal Trade (Articles 351–353): Fines to life imprisonment, depending on severity.

    3. Key Notes

    • Zero-Tolerance Policy: Even small quantities may lead to harsh penalties.
    • Recidivism: Harsher punishments for repeat offenders.
    • Regional Variations: Thresholds may adjust locally but remain severe.

    China’s approach emphasizes deterrence, combining criminal sanctions for trafficking/manufacturing with compulsory rehab for users. The death penalty applies to high-volume trafficking, reflecting the strict stance against drug crimes.