Drugs slow down China's future

China has failed to escape the economic flu. The latest official figures say that 4 percent of its urban workforce is jobless, some eight million workers. Other experts believe the figure is higher -- probably 20 percent, or 30 million people. The latest Foreign Report, an official publication, said there are also 175 million unemployed and underemployed peasants, many of whom are flocking to the cities to compete for a diminishing number of jobs.

The first rumbles of discontent have been heard. Increasingly, small groups across the country are taking to the streets to give voice to their complaints. Demonstrations are small and do not yet pose any threat to government or Communist Party authority. Chinese officials should experience little difficulty containing the dissent. There is always the example of the Tiananmen massacre to recall if things begin getting out of hand.

However, beneath this surface activity lies another threat to economic equilibrium. Troubles in China's economy have provided a breeding ground for an insidious foe of social progress: widening drug addiction among young Chinese.

Official sources state that youths and young women are the focal point of surging drug abuse. Young people between 18-25 account for 80 percent of the 530,000 drug addicts registered with the public security organization.

China has made rehabilitation of drug users a major concern. The nation has 700 drug rehabilitation centers and treatment is mandatory for addicts. The China News claims that more than 180,000 addicts were cured in the centers last year. Those who relapse can expect up to four years in the harsh "Reform Through Labor" program.

China's reaction to the rapidly growing problem of youth drug addiction is important to the nations future. There is no doubt Beijing is committed to combating trafficking and to fighting drug addiction among young people. Whether it will be successful remains to be seen.

-- The Bangkok Post