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)!

  • baaaaaaaaaaah [comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
    0·
    6 days ago

    Personally I have a universal view that people should have as much individual freedom as possible while not negatively impacting the lives of others, I’d like this to apply anywhere in the world.

    And I don’t agree that a collectivist society and individual freedoms are contrary. Chinese people have many individual freedoms; they can love and live how they want, and they can choose to hurt themselves with drink and tobacco and McDonalds if they want, of course with sensible limits to avoid impacting others. Drug policy is different, it’s hardline, and I don’t see why that has to be the case.

    I’ll say now I’m personally not pro-drug use, and I have no issue with states discouraging harmful lifestyles, but at the same time I’m never going to support jailing people for smoking a native plant in private.

    • IHave69XiBucks@lemmygrad.ml
      0·
      6 days ago

      I think that many people from the west just see the most severe punishment and apply that to all cases. Prison times in China for drugs are less than even America usually. Death penalty or long prison times are only in severe cases.

      • baaaaaaaaaaah [comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
        0·
        6 days ago

        I have close Chinese friends who have done jail time for recreational drug use. I don’t think that was fair and I stand by that. It’s unnecessary, and in my opinion not positive for either them or society.

        Honestly I think we’re just going to have to agree to disagree otherwise.

    • IHave69XiBucks@lemmygrad.ml
      0·
      6 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.