It's false to say that China fells trees in other countries while protecting its own, said Cao Qingyao, spokesperson of China's State Forestry Administration at a press conference Monday.

There were reporters asking about a rumor that after China's ban on exploitation of natural forests in large areas, China has imported great amounts of timber, imposing threat on the virgin forests in Myanmar, Southeast Asia, Far East and Russia. Cao said the rumor is not right.

Cao said it's a common responsibility of the world's countries to protect and develop forest resources but not the responsibility of a single country or region. The Chinese government has consistently performed its internationally-shared responsibilities, opposed to and firmly cracked down on illegal deforestation and illegal imports. China enforces rigid control over imports.

Besides improving laws and regulations on import administration and strengthening enforcement, China also established a mechanism of joint action with neighboring countries to fight against timber smuggling with concerted efforts.

The Chinese government has launched ecology-protecting programs such as that for natural forests. They're responsible actions for China's eco-security as well as a great contribution to the world's maintaining a sound eco-system.

While protecting its own resources, China is also developing its own timber production base in a bid to raise the production and productivity. China is able to well handle its demand for timber, said the spokesperson.

By People's Daily Online