China has agreed to cooperate more closely with other Southeast Asian nations to eradicate the illegal smuggling of wild animals and animal products, from which it is said to profit greatly. This includes goods such as ivory and rare snakeskins, for which there is high demand.

Head of enforcement for China's State Forestry Administration, Wan Ziming, said: "Everyone is blaming China for consuming Southeast Asia's wildlife and wants China to solve the problem."

Following talks with officials from five Asean members and wildlife protection groups, Mr Ziming expressed the need for transparency in its handling of the animal smuggling trade as well as the importance of working effectively with its near neighbours. The participants visited a seized wildlife products warehouse as part of the discussion process.