An historical review of the evolvement of tobacco control policies and strategies in Taiwan is presented. The role of the U.S. government and international tobacco firms in obstructing change and promoting smoking for profit is discussed and the battle with its anti-tobacco opponents (primarily the John Tung Foundation), public health authorities, and the Asian Pacific Association for the Control of Tobacco (APACT) are highlighted. The political constraints for Taiwan in not being a member of the United Nations and the effect on the evolvement of its strong anti-tobacco efforts are explored in detail in this case study.
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