BEIJING — Vice-Premier Wang Yang met with Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) John E. Scanlon.

Speaking highly of the CITES’s significant role in controlling international trade in endangered species, Wang said the Chinese government is willing to further strengthen cooperation with the CITES Secretariat.

China will continue to perform its obligations of the convention, make new contributions in protection of wildlife and crack down on illegal trade, said Wang.

Affirming the Chinese government’s positive efforts in protection of endangered wild fauna and flora, Scanlon said the CITES Secretariat is looking forward to enhancing cooperation with China to promote global recovery and growth of endangered species.

CITES entered in force in 1975 as an international agreement aimed at ensuring global trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

China became a party to CITES in 1981. Currently there are 180 parties in CITES.