Q: Not long ago, it was reported that a Chinese National was arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport for rhino horn smuggling. What is your comment on that?

A: The position of the Chinese government on protecting rhinos and other endangered species has been consistent, firm and clear-cut. China supports the South Africa authorities in investigating and prosecuting the Chinese national involved according to the law and will never shield him from punishment, while ensuring his legitimate rights and interests.

As a contracting party to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), China always attaches great importance to combating illegal trade of wildlife. The Chinese government has adopted a number of laws and regulations and constantly improved the joint law enforcement mechanism. We maintain zero-tolerance for those taking part in the illegal trade of endangered wild species or wildlife products and resolutely punish them according to the law. The Chinese Government has launched the public destruction of confiscated wildlife products many times to increase public awareness on the issue. China has also actively engaged in international cooperation and combated the illegal trade of endangered wild species products together with the international community.

I want to emphasize that this is only an isolated case. China stands ready to work with South Africa to further promote cooperation on law enforcement and capacity building so as to make greater contribution to protecting endangered wild species and cracking down on illegal trade.

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