China has banned shark fin soup from official banquets. The decision surprised many people on both sides of the battle line. Traders are muted, while conservationists rejoice.
Beijing slapped on the ban not out of a wish to join the global conservation trend, but more because of a desire to cut back on lavish spending by cadres in the various tiers of government, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency.
Officials at the municipal level are particularly notorious for leading lavish lifestyles, feasting with public money.
Nonetheless, it’s still a major piece of good news for conservationists since Chinese communities in the mainland and around the world are the largest shark fin consumers. Beijing’s position can at least set an example for others - even if the reasons are different.
It’s intriguing the Hong Kong government reacted a bit cautiously when asked if it would follow suit.
Without a doubt, the consideration in the mainland doesn’t exist in the SAR, where shark fin soup hasn’t been served at government receptions for many years, despite the lack of an announced policy.
With few exceptions, our government’s spending is closely monitored by the audit director.
Hong Kong has the distinction of being the world’s largest trading center for shark fins - importing and re-exporting 50 to 80 percent of the world’s supply.
Suppliers come from all over, including Europe, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, India and Japan. In turn, Hong Kong’s biggest customers are the mainland and overseas Chinese communities around the world.
If the SAR government is ever required to adopt a stance, it can’t possibly take one that encourages the trade in view of the growing global sentiment opposing shark finning.
However, bear in mind that the trade does feed many workers and families involved, so that’s a legitimate concern.
So far, officials have said they are committed to protecting endangered species, and if they aren’t on the list, there are no legal grounds for action.
But it’s clear the clock is ticking, so the government can’t evade the issue indefinitely, as conservation campaigns gain momentum both here and overseas.
Former National Basketball Association star Yao Ming had pledged to stop eating shark fin soup, and as of yesterday, more than 130 Hong Kong hotels, companies and trade associations have signed the shark fin initiative launched by the World Wildlife Fund here in 2007.
The younger generation is also more environmentally hip than ever before, with many newlyweds now serving soups other than shark fin at their wedding banquets.
The SAR benefits from the “one country, two systems” arrangement, and is free to adopt a position different from that of the central government. But this is an issue without borders.
Perhaps Beijing’s lead provides the SAR with an opening to make its no- shark-fin-soup practice official.
