The Chinese government passed a number of laws against trafficking and smuggling. The penalties for traffickers and buyers of the 'human goods' are high and severe. In fact, the laws against trafficking in women in China are as severe as the law prohibiting rape according to the U.S. Department of State in 2001. However, the amount of corruption and weak enforcement by officials have impeded the successful implementation of such laws and programs. In addition, police complicity with smugglers has further exacerbated the problem, leaving women vulnerable to trafficking and forced marriage.
