President Xi Jinping reiterated China's commitment to wildlife protection during his first state visit to Zimbabwe. The Chinese president also announced that assistance to Zimbabwe will be given to help the country preserve its wildlife populations.
To demonstrate China's dedication, Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan toured a local wildlife sanctuary called Wild Is Life before officially wrapping up the state visit.
According to Xi, China has long recognized the importance of wildlife protection. The country has since then made remarkable progress in wildlife projects including habitat conservation and breeding.
Xi added that Beijing's initiatives to stop illegal trade of wild animals and animal products have also been successful in the recent years. A clampdown against illegal wildlife trafficking as well as a one-year ban on imports of African ivory as hunting trophies were implemented earlier this year. China also destroyed 662 kilograms of confiscated ivory last May.
Public awareness about wildlife conservation has also sparked a movement among Chinese people, increasing the number of volunteers in wildlife organizations.
"China has earnestly fulfilled the international obligations and actively participated in international cooperation in wildlife protection," said Xi.
Since wildlife protection is a key aspect in the China-Zimbabwe cooperation deal, China will donate equipment and conduct seminars to help Zimbabwe improve its conservation efforts.
Xi's state visit to Zimbabwe, the first by a Chinese president since 1993, is part of a three-nation tour which started in Paris, France, for the U.N. climate change conference. After Zimbabwe, the Chinese president will then fly to South Africa for a state visit and to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg.