The term 禁毒 (jìndú) cannot be understood without knowing about the Opium Wars (鸦片战争 Yāpiàn Zhànzhēng) in the mid-19th century. These wars, which began when Britain forcefully imported opium into China against the Qing Dynasty's ban, are seen as the start of China's “Century of Humiliation” (百年国耻 bǎinián guóchǐ). Opium addiction ravaged Chinese society, weakened the state, and led to the ceding of territory (like Hong Kong) to foreign powers.
Because of this deep historical trauma, 禁毒 is not merely a public health or law enforcement issue in China; it is a matter of national sovereignty, social stability, and historical redemption. The government's extremely strict anti-drug stance is a direct reaction to this past, demonstrating that China will never again allow narcotics to weaken the nation.
Comparison to Western Concepts: In the U.S., the “War on Drugs” is a comparable term, but it lacks the same historical weight. The American “War on Drugs” is often debated in terms of individual liberty, criminal justice reform, and public health approaches. In contrast, 禁毒 in China is a far less controversial concept internally. It is framed as a collective duty to protect society and the nation's integrity, a value deeply rooted in a collectivist mindset. The discussion is not “if” but “how” to enforce the prohibition most effectively.