2FIRSTS | Special Report | China’s New Five-Year Plan Highlights “Health-First” Strategy, Providing Policy Context for Tobacco Sector
China’s new Five-Year Plan prioritizes a “health-first” strategy, impacting policy discussions around tobacco control and the nicotine industry.Summary
China’s 2026 “Two Sessions” reviewed the draft 15th Five-Year Plan, which proposes a health-first development strategy and strengthens the Patriotic Health Campaign, signaling long-term public-health priorities. This framework doesn’t target specific sectors but provides a backdrop for observing the tobacco and next-generation nicotine industries. Discussions around tobacco control—reducing smoking prevalence, expanding bans, and exploring lower-risk alternatives—will be evaluated against these public-health priorities. Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, notes this strategy offers a higher-level framework for observing regulation, product positioning, and market development within these industries. The plan encourages deeper discussions and potential adjustments, with the implementation of the health-first strategy within industry development becoming a key topic.
(Source：2Firsts)
