“China has decided to completely shut down the commercial processing and sale of ivory and ivory products by December 31st 2017”, H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana reiterated China's decision on a total ivory trade ban when he attended the Giants Club Summit on 16th March 2018 in Kasane. Such decision by China received wide appreciation and praise at the Summit.

During the opening ceremony of the Summit, Ambassador Zhao said, Chinese people believe in “unity of the universe and human”, which indicates man and nature should coexist in harmony. In this regard, the Chinese government places high priority on eco-environmental preservation. Environmental protection, especially wildlife preservation, is a key part in China's overall national development strategy.

Ambassador Zhao pointed out that over the years China has made unremitting efforts in international collaboration on wildlife protection, especially on the protection of African elephants. In order to show the strong determination and resolve of the Chinese government and people on wildlife protection, China has decided to completely shut down the commercial processing and sale of ivory and ivory products by December 31st 2017. By the end of last year, all the factories producing ivory artworks have be closed and all the ivory trade has been banned throughout China. Now Chinese government are strengthening the law enforcement on the domestic market, while calling upon the international community to work together to fight against illegal wildlife trade.

Around 200 delegates attended the Summit. Among them were H.E. Lt Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of Botswana, Hon. Tshekedi Khama, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism of Botswana, senior representatives of Gabon, Kenya, Uganda and UK governments, and representatives of international wildlife protection NGOs.