Draft wildlife law frames China's endangered species as "natural resources"

A new draft of China’s Wildlife Protection Law is drawing criticism for classifying endangered species as “natural resources” that can be bred in captivity for commercial purposes, as well as for giving provincial governments the right to license such activities, along with animal performances, The New York Times reported. “If the current law is vague and stops shy of allowing the commercial use of animals,” said An Xiang, the director of Dexiang Law Firm in Beijing, “the new law is brazenly detailed about it, telling you how these animals may be used and where to go to get a permit.”