Q: Al Jazeera Investigative Unit released a documentary called The Poachers Pipeline. Part of the documentary shows that some wildlife products are smuggled from South Africa to China. What is the Embassy's comment on that?

A: The Chinese Embassy in South Africa has noted the documentary. I wish to stress that the Chinese government adopts a consistent and firm position on the protection of endangered wildlife such as elephant and rhino. As a contracting party to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), China has made unremitting efforts to protect wildlife on multiple fronts, including national legislation, institution development, trade management, law enforcement and oversight, capacity building and public participation. China has also actively engaged in international cooperation with countries at the source and the destination, as well as along the transiting routes of wildlife trafficking to address the issue. All of these efforts have been widely recognized by the international community.

The Chinese Government has been relentlessly firm in the combat against the illegal trade of endangered wild species and wildlife products. China maintains zero tolerance for the relevant crimes, and the criminals receive strict sentence according to law. In addition, the Chinese Government has conducted multiple campaigns such as the public destruction of confiscated wildlife products to increase public awareness on the issue.

I want to emphasize that China has instituted strict disciplines and regulations for its public officials, including diplomats posted overseas and officials traveling abroad. Public officials are prohibited from purchasing or taking part in the purchase of any endangered wild species or wildlife product. Upon discovery of violation, officials that are involved are subject to severe punishment according to law and regulations.

The Embassy also noted that some foreign media would every so often play up alleged wrong-doing of certain individual, in hope of smearing the image of China and undercutting China-South Africa and China-Africa relations. We find these moves ill-motivated, and would hereby express our strong indignation and firm opposition.

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