According to health specialists, China is at big risk of losing around two million lives on an annual basis to the illnesses associated to the habit of smoking.

The number of tobacco usage among Chinese males, 53% of whom are smokers, has already increased.

Every year, around one million people lost their lives because of tobacco-related illnesses in China.

The report also said that Chins has approximately 300 million smokers.

Mr. Judith Mackay, a Hong Kong-based tobacco control expert, stated, "The crucial time has come for China to implement tougher tobacco control measures, which will be good for both national health and wealth."

Yang Gonghuang of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the overall figure of Chinese males who smoke fell down by 3% over the past decade.

But at the same time, many other nations have registered a decline 15% in tobacco usage.

Another worry that disturbed the health officials is the rising percentage of smoking among Chinese females, which presently stands around 3%.

"The overall impact of the deadly habit on health will become apparent in 20 years, when the nation will see a sharp rise in smoking-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease, strokes and emphysema, which will result in more deaths," warned Yang.

Besides, the country with the highest population is also confronting the problem of increasing number of cancer cases, particularly lung cancer.