SCIO press conference on China Customs' efforts to safeguard borders, advance Chinese modernization
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 24, 2023
Shenzhen Satellite TV Zhinews:
We have noticed that many young people are fond of keeping exotic pets nowadays. At the same time, we have also noticed that this year's No. 1 Central Document included the issue of exotic pets for the first time. How does the customs prevent the invasion of alien species caused by exotic pets and ensure the biological security of China's borders? Thank you.
Yu Jianhua:
Exotic pets are a threat to China's biological security. The GACC attaches great importance to the issue and has adopted a series of measures to intercept them. For details, I will invite Mr. Zhao Zenglian to answer your question.
Zhao Zenglian:
Thank you for your question, and I appreciate your interest in this topic. "Exotic pets" are a new term and a trending topic. They are called "exotic" because they are different from traditional companion animals such as cats and dogs. They are considered special because some of them were once feared and are now kept as pets. These include such animals as snakes, lizards, and horned frogs. These exotic pets are peculiar in appearance, colorful, and unique.
Just now, you said that the No. 1 Central Document mentioned "exotic pets" for the first time, which reflects that exotic pets are no longer just simple household pets but rather come with other concerns. These are mainly reflected in three aspects. First, these exotic pets are mostly foreign species, which poses a big threat to biodiversity of organisms. When such exotic pets escape or are abandoned in nature, they may multiply and spread rapidly without natural enemies, threatening to local ecosystem. Second, they threaten the safety of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery. Once in nature, they can pose a huge threat to local species and even leading to a sharp decline in their populations. Third, they pose a threat to the health and safety of the people. Some of these animals are aggressive, such as the fire salamanders and messor barbaruses, and others are highly poisonous, such as the giant centipedes and poison dart frogs. In addition, some exotic pets carry germs that can threaten people's lives.
Customs must take action when there are calls from the central government and societal concerns. We have taken a series of measures to strictly prevent the invasion of alien species such as "exotic pets." First, we have strengthened port inspections, and customs have used technological means such as X-ray and CT machines to prevent "exotic pets" from entering the country through mail. Customs supervise over 400,000 pieces of mail arriving from overseas every day. Second, we have carried out special operations, such as "Green Shield at Entry at the Border" and taken comprehensive measures to prevent the delivery of "exotic pets" in cross-border e-commerce, to crack down on criminal gangs and rings that illegally import "exotic pets" and other alien species. Third, we strengthened joint prevention and control. Internally, we enhanced inter-departmental cooperation to form law enforcement synergy. Externally, we strengthened source control to ensure that overseas competent authorities shoulder their responsibilities. Fourth, we have created a joint social governance atmosphere: If no one buys them, no one will sell them. Customs used a combination of online and offline methods to continuously strengthen publicity and education for delivery companies and inbound travelers and make every effort to enhance public awareness of biosafety.
In 2022, customs intercepted 991 types of "exotic pets" and other alien species in 2,012 cases, including large ants measuring 4 centimeters long, large beetles measuring 10 centimeters long, and large centipedes measuring over 30 centimeters long. I have brought some pictures here to show you today. The "exotic pets" we intercepted were safely and strictly disposed of according to laws and regulations.
Next, customs will resolutely implement the deployment and requirements of the "No. 1 central document," strengthen port inspections, crack down on illegal activities, and firmly guard the nation's gateways. We will continue strengthening policy interpretation, publicity, and education, exposing typical cases, and enhancing public awareness of ensuring biosafety.
I would also like to take this opportunity to make a public call through our media friends: Everyone has a responsibility in ensuring biosafety and can contribute. I hope that "exotic pet" enthusiasts will not purchase illegally imported small animals and will not harm nature with their personal hobbies. Thank you.
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