China's State Forestry Administration says China has made remarkable progress in wildlife protection. Deputy Administrator of the State Forestry Administration Yin Hong made the comment at a press conference in Beijing.

She said efforts have been made to pool and coordinate efforts to strengthen wildlife protection and management. Over 2,000 natural reserves have been built, covering 13 percent of China's over 9 million square kilometers of territory.

Efforts have also been made to raise public awareness. Checks on restaurants, bird markets and traditional medicine stores were intensified, where wild animals are widely used.

Yin also said that China has actively cooperated with other countries in a bid to cut down on wildlife abuse.

"Early this year, China together with 22 other countries cooperated to crack down on illegal trading of wildlife. A large number of wild animals, plants and related products were seized. Over 6.5 tons of ivory was seized. Ten tiger hides and 7 leopard hides were seized too. Over 100 suspects were arrested. China has played a positive role in promoting global wildlife conservation," Yin said.

(CNTV.cn May 21, 2013)