Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian speaking at the Africa-China Wildlife Conservation Conference. (Photos: Li Yingyan/People's Daily)

Johannesburg (People's Daily) – The Chinese government and civil society organizations have decided to turn the focus on wildlife conservation at the Africa-China Wildlife Conservation Conference at the Wits University, South Africa, on Thursday.

“Respecting nature and cherishing life is of aspirational value in Chinese culture. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the pro-tection of wildlife,” Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian said at the conference. 

Wildlife is an important part of nature and the Chinese government lays emphasis on the protection of wildlife. China has banned all ivory and ivory products trade on December 31 of last year, including those that are legally sourced. This led to the shutting down of 34 ivory processing sites and 143 sales sites. Chinese citizens and companies are barred from ivory trade and elephant poaching. 

The audience listening to Lin’s speech. 

“The Chinese government has adopted the world’s toughest stance of zero tolerance on wildlife protection. No exception will be made for criminals, and no one will be allowed to buy his way out of a prison sentence,” said Lin.

Many wildlife civil society groups from China are also involved in wildlife protection in South Africa, such as the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation.

In China, many persons like former basketball player Yao Ming, are com-mitting themselves to wildlife conservation.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic ties and the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. South Africa will host the BRICS Summit, and China will host the 3rd FOCAC Summit in Beijing. “We are confident in bringing more benefits to the people of China and South Africa, and make new contributions to the cause of wildlife conser-vation,” said Lin.