Chinese social media used to promote illegal wildlife trade in Laos
“The wet markets in Laos are like wildlife parks; however, while you can only look at the animals in our zoos back in China, the wild animals in Lao markets can be eaten.” So proclaimed a Chinese vlogger as he toured a wildlife market. As he explored, he filmed himself showing off bear paws, various […]
Chinese vloggers have been promoting illegal wildlife trade in Laos through social media platforms, despite repeated warnings from the Chinese Embassy. In a video tour of a wildlife market, a vlogger showcased bear paws, various birds, dried rats, monitor lizards, and even a live pangolin, claiming that these items were for sale in Laos.
However, the Chinese Embassy has warned citizens that "Lao law prohibits the sale of ivory, rhinoceros horns, pangolins, and other wildlife products. Violators will be punished by law." The vlogger's incorrect implication that such sales are legal is prevalent on Chinese social media platforms like WeChat Channels, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu using search terms such as 老挝穿山甲 (Lao pangolin), 老挝野味 (Lao wild game), and 老挝熊掌 (Lao bear paw).
With the opening of the China-Laos Railway in 2021 and the lifting of China's pandemic lockdowns in early 2023, Laos has become an attractive destination for wildlife trade.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
