NCJ Number
146024
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1993) Pages: 11-19
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper examines crime trends in China in recent years and their impact on the United States.
Abstract
China has experienced unexpected and unprecedented changes in political, economical, and social areas because of the Open Door policy begun in the early 1980's. The traditional Confucian values have been weakened and replaced by materialism and hedonism. Such changes have stimulated old social evils and some new ones. Prominent crimes are drug-taking, the development of drug plantations, an increase in drug trafficking, and the smuggling of illegal emigrants. These new crimes have a transnational character. Drug trafficking and illegal emigration have targeted the United States. More and tougher legislation is required to provide a legal basis to combat new crimes within China. The Resolution on Banning Drugs was passed on December 28, 1991. This statute imposed harsher penalties on drug traffickers. Under this resolution, those who smuggle, sell, traffick, or produce 1 kg. or more of opium, or 50 or more grams of heroin will face sentences that range from 15 years imprisonment to the death penalty. Given the transnational character of much of China's crime, international cooperation is crucial among law enforcement agencies in the areas and countries involved. 26 references