China has reportedly announced that it fully supports Tanzania's decision to sentence a Chinese national to 15 years in jail for illegal wildlife product trafficking. The convicted Chinese businesswoman Yang Fenglan, also known as the "Ivory Queen," was apprehended by Tanzanian authorities for allegations of smugglings tons of illegal elephant tusks.
According to the foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, the Chinese government will not be extending any kind of assistance to the Chinese national. Geng also mentioned that the Chinese government is ready to support the international community in protecting the country's wildlife by putting a stop to the illegal international trade. China is also apparently not going to support any illegal activities conducted by its citizens.
The 69-year-old Chinese national was convicted by a court in Dar Es Salaam, which found her guilty of smuggling close to 2 tons of elephant tusks. The tusks were reportedly taken from more than 350 elephants and were on its way to Asia. The total value of the shipment is estimated to be somewhere around US$2.6 million if sold in the Asian market.
The Tanzanian government has reportedly been keeping a close eye on Yang, who has been living in the country since 1975. She is allegedly the head of one of the country's biggest underground ivory trafficking rings. Prior to her conviction, Yang was arrested several times; including an arrest in 2015 when she was still the VP for the country's China-Africa Business Council.
While part of the shipment may end up in other Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand, most of it would have likely ended up in China. The country currently has one of the biggest demands of illegal animal products, including elephant and rhino tusks as well as pangolin scales. These wildlife products are used as part of traditional medicines and remedies, while others are used as part of jewelry items and ornaments.
China has already banned the selling and buying of ivory, a practice it implemented early last year. Despite its recent clampdown on the illegal trade, some products still make it through and are sold on the black market. The wildlife conservation group, Elephant Action League, publicly condemned Yang and commended the Chinese government for its efforts to put a stop to the illegal trade.
Yang is currently in custody at a maximum security prison in Tanzania. She is scheduled to appear at her bail hearing in October of this year. Yang's lawyers have reportedly already filed an appeal. However, the judge presiding over her case has been quoted as saying that Yang has been found guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt."
