Wildlife at Risk: The Dark Side of Traditional Chinese Medicine

At the beginning of this year, the Brookings Institution released a significant report titled ‘Chinese Crime and Geopolitics in 2024,’ which underscores the alarming expansion of Chinese criminal organizations in tandem with the nation’s growing economic and geopolitical influence worldwide. The ongoing Fentanyl crisis in the United States has thrust these China-linked criminal networks, particularly their connections with entities like the Sinaloa Cartel, into the spotlight of U.S. policy discussions.

The report reveals that the reach of organized crime emanating from China is not limited to drug trafficking and money laundering. Chinese criminal groups are also deeply involved in cybercrime, sophisticated fraud schemes, human trafficking, and the illegal trade of wildlife, particularly for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These networks often serve various functions for the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and legitimate Chinese businesses.

The report sheds light on the troubling dynamics of wildlife trafficking. It notes that before establishing operations in Latin and North America, Chinese trafficking networks had already wreaked havoc on numerous animal and plant species across Africa and Asia. During the peak of elephant poaching in Africa before 2018, the Yang Fenglan network was a key player in the illicit trade from Africa to China. Despite a ban on ivory sales in China implemented in 2018, the illegal ivory trade surged again in 2023 as the country lifted its COVID-19 travel restrictions. Additionally, the poaching of various species for Chinese and Asian markets has escalated over the past years.

An article featured in National Geographic in 2019 highlights TCM as a healthcare system with roots tracing back to the third century BCE. This ancient practice emerged from the observations of early healers who documented the human body’s functions and its responses to various treatments, including herbal remedies, acupuncture, and massage. While China has made significant strides in adopting science-based medicine, TCM continues to thrive, often being integrated into hospitals and clinics alongside conventional medical practices.

The magazine notes that TCM’s influence has extended well beyond China’s borders, with its presence now felt in over 180 countries and an estimated industry value exceeding $60 billion annually. Despite its growing global appeal, TCM faces criticism from the medical community regarding the effectiveness of many of its treatments. Additionally, conservationists have raised concerns about the use of animal-derived substances in TCM, which contributes to the demand for endangered species. Nevertheless, the Chinese government, led by figures such as President Xi Jinping, has consistently championed the merits of TCM. Xi advocates for a harmonious blend of traditional and Western medicine and has called for intensified research into TCM pharmaceuticals. For Xi and many in the Chinese leadership, promoting TCM is seen as a vital strategy for alleviating poverty.

The illegal wildlife trade, primarily fuelled by the demand for TCM, has wreaked havoc on wildlife populations across the globe. This illicit commerce not only jeopardizes the existence of countless species but also undermines international conservation initiatives and poses serious public health threats. China stands as one of the largest consumers of trafficked wildlife products. The insatiable appetite for TCM ingredients–such as rhino horns, tiger bones, and pangolin scales–has resulted in the poaching and slaughter of numerous endangered species worldwide. For example, over 20 million seahorses are killed each year to serve as components in TCM remedies.

National Geographic reports that more than a million pangolins were poached between 2000 and 2013 alone. These small, insectivorous mammals are sought after for their scales, which are processed into powders or pastes believed to aid in lactation, alleviate arthritis, and treat various other diseases. Rhinos and tigers also face severe threats, hunted for their horns and bones, which are thought to possess medicinal properties. Yet, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these treatments is minimal; any perceived benefits may often be attributed to the placebo effect. The ramifications for wildlife are staggering. Species such as tigers, rhinos, and pangolins are being driven to the brink of extinction due to the relentless demand for their body parts. This illegal trade not only diminishes wild populations but also disrupts ecosystems, leading to far-reaching environmental repercussions.

Despite the Chinese government’s efforts to regulate the illegal wildlife trade, these initiatives have frequently fallen short. The Wildlife Protection Law, for instance, permits the commercial breeding and trade of certain endangered species, such as tigers and bears, thereby creating exploitable loopholes for traffickers. Furthermore, the enforcement of these laws is often compromised by corruption and a lack of resources, which severely undermines effective action.

Take the trade in elephant ivory as a case in point. A combination of domestic and international pressures led to a joint USA-China ivory ban that was finalized in early 2018. While early signs post-ban seemed encouraging, China’s recent decision to partially lift its ban on the use of rhino horn and tiger bone underscores persistent deficiencies in its wildlife trafficking efforts. Rhino poaching has surged to alarming levels, driven by the demand for rhino horns in TCM due to their alleged healing properties. Despite international prohibitions and domestic laws, the trade continues unabated, fuelled by corruption and insufficient enforcement. The CCP has faced criticism for its failure to adopt more robust measures against this illegal trade.

Another troubling example involves Asiatic black bears, which are often confined in small cages for the extraction of bile from their gallbladders, a substance used in TCM. These bears endure horrific living conditions, and the CCP’s lax regulations and enforcement have allowed this cruel practice to persist. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese leaders and state-run media have championed the TCM industry, emphasizing the benefits of TCM pharmaceuticals as a cornerstone of the economy. However, the use of bile from captive Asiatic black bears in TCM drugs, particularly those touted as treatments for severe COVID-19 cases has drawn sharp criticism from wildlife advocacy groups.

The illegal wildlife trade presents serious public health threats that cannot be ignored. The handling and consumption of products derived from wild animals can lead to zoonotic diseases-illnesses that can transfer from animals to humans. The staggering wildlife trade in China, often cited as a probable origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, serves as a chilling reminder of the risks associated with zoonotic diseases. This ongoing illegal trade remains a potential conduit for future pandemics.

Despite global initiatives aimed at curbing this illicit trade, effective enforcement continues to be a significant hurdle. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is designed to regulate such activities, yet rampant corruption and inadequate enforcement severely undermine its efficacy. The Chinese government has faced criticism for its lack of decisive action to curb the flow of wildlife products.

Reports indicate that corruption and lax enforcement within the CCP have allowed this trade to thrive. Chinese organized crime syndicates are deeply entrenched in wildlife trafficking, often operating without fear of repercussions due to systemic corruption and weak law enforcement. These criminal networks frequently collaborate with local gangs in neighbouring countries, complicating efforts to dismantle the illegal wildlife trade. The CCP’s inconsistent regulatory measures and occasional rollbacks on protective laws have further exacerbated the crisis.

The global ramifications of China’s inadequate response are profound. As the largest consumer of wildlife products, China’s policies and actions have far-reaching consequences for international conservation efforts. The ongoing trade in endangered species not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines global initiatives aimed at combating illegal wildlife trafficking.

The illicit trade in wildlife for Traditional Chinese Medicine presents a complex challenge that demands immediate action. Enhancing law enforcement, increasing public awareness, and advocating for alternative treatments are essential measures to combat this pressing issue. The survival of numerous species and the overall well-being of our planet hinge our response to this crisis.