<strong>China: Tobacco Academician Refuses to Give up His Title</strong>

Source from:  CRIENGLISH.com 03/13/2013

A famous researcher who was accepted into the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) for his work on cigarette tar reduction, has refused to give up his academician title, despite calls by some top legislators and political advisors at their annul sessions in Beijing to do so, the Beijing Times reports.

Xie Jianping received the title of academician from the CAE in 2011, but some scholars and institutes say it has been proved that tar reduction will not reduce or eliminate tobacco's harm on people's health.

Pan Yunhe, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and executive vice president of CAE, confirmed the news, according to the report.
 
Huang Jiefu, a member of the CPPCC and vice minister of health, said Xie's research went against China's policy on tobacco control and suggested he apply to cancel his academician title.

National People's Congress deputy Zhong Nanshan expressed his disappointment with Xie's research, saying that the title of academician for such a person was irresponsible considering the number of people who developed lung cancer from smoking.
 
The presidium of the CAE failed to pass the reconsideration of Xie's academician title but agreed with the suggestion that Xie give up his title himself. Xie has refused the suggestion. Enditem