China has lifted a quarter-century ban on the scientific and medical use of tiger bones and rhinoceros horn, in a move that conservationists said would have “devastating consequences globally” for the endangered species.
China’s State Council said it would grant permits for the use of tiger and rhino parts — considered by some medical practitioners as potent healing ingredients — by licensed doctors as well as for unspecified “cultural exchanges”.
Under President Xi Jinping, China has sought to portray itself as more environmentally friendly, passing stricter protections over wildlife and natural resources. In 2016, it banned the sale of ivory to reduce poaching of elephants.