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- Title
Narcotics Trafficking in China: Size, Scale, Dynamic and Future Consequences.
- Authors
Clarke, Ryan
- Abstract
This article examines narcotics trafficking in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and in its special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau. A general overview is provided regarding types of narcotics trafficked, most common sources, and the key actors involved. Problem areas, or "hot spots," are identified and analyzed. Regions that are addressed include south China/Southeast Asia, Xinjiang/Central Asia, and the northeast China/North Korea border region. Responses by the PRC to the problem are also discussed. This article puts forth the argument that much attention has been paid to China's rapidly growing economy and defence capabilities, but there has been less focus on its drug trafficking markets, which have grown in size and scale on pace with China's legitimate economy. Because of its huge population, large geographical mass, and long land and maritime borders, the PRC is an ideal transit and consumption point for narcotics from East, South and Southeast Asia. Further, Xinjiang is of particular concern, given recent geopolitical developments in the region and the construction of the Gwadar port in Pakistan, which aims to provide Xinjiang with a road link through Pakistan and possibly Afghanistan. As such, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) should use its heavy security presence in the province more efficiently and increase its role in counter-narcotics efforts. Although the problem is manageable at present, if these issues are not adequately addressed China may descend into an environment where organized crime is rampant, foreign investors are reluctant, and the ability of officials to tackle everyday issues is highly limited.
- Subjects
XINJIANG Uygur Zizhiqu (China); CHINA; DRUG traffic; DRUG control; DRUG laws; ECONOMIC conditions in China, 1976-2000; SOCIAL conditions in China, 1976-2000; GOVERNMENT policy
- Publication
Pacific Affairs, 2008, Vol 81, Issue 1, p73
- ISSN
0030-851X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.5509/200881173