Beijing postpones plan to lift ban on their use in traditional medicine after global outcry
Conservation groups have welcomed an apparent U-turn by China over the use of rhino and tiger products in traditional medicine.
The Chinese government announced on Monday that it would postpone a plan to lift the 25-year ban on the endangered animals, following a storm of international protest .
Last month, officials said China would introduce quotas for tiger and rhino body parts so the trade could be better managed, but wildlife experts warned this could have a devastating impact on wild populations, because it would open up the market and encourage poaching in Africa and Asia.
In a statement this week, the state council executive deputy secretary general, Ding Xuedong, said the change in regulations would be deferred, though he did not specify for what reason or how long.
