China pledges more support to Tanzania's war against elephant poaching

China on Monday expressed commitments towards supporting Tanzania's endeavors in the fight against elephant poaching.

Lin Zhiyong, the Chinese Embassy's economic and commercial representative in Tanzania, made the commitments here when receiving 25 bicycle riders who spend five days in a bicycle journey from Dar es Salaam to Arusha in a bid to promote public awareness of wildlife protection.

Dubbed "Biking for Elephants", the journey was organized and sponsored by the Chinese embassy in collaboration with Population Priority Services (PPS), a local volunteer group.

Zhiyong said China will continue to support all efforts made by Tanzania in protecting elephants, wild animals which is in danger to disappear from poaching.

"We'll take the fight against elephant poaching and ivory trade with special attention," the official said, adding that Tanzania is one of the countries endowed with a wide-range of wildlife, though is overwhelmed with a number of challenges including protecting elephants for the current and future generations.

The "biking for elephant" journey started in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, and ended on Monday at the National Natural History Museum in Arusha.

Director of PPS Isaack Kalumba said participation of China in the elephant anti-poaching campaign has opened more room for other players to chip in and fight against poaching.

"This shows how China is committed to join hands with the Tanzanian government in cracking down on poaching, smuggling and other illegal activities," Kalumba said. Endit