Shangyou News:

Currently, the concept of green development enjoys popular support. What work has customs done during the 14th Five-Year Plan period to strictly prevent the introduction of infectious animal and plant diseases as well as invasive species, therefore strengthening biosecurity at the national border? Thank you.

Sun Meijun:

Thank you for your question. This is a very good question. I would like to invite Mr. Zhao to answer.

Zhao Zenglian:

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the important concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." We have resolutely implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, earnestly carried out relevant decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and firmly safeguarded national biosecurity and ecological security. Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan, relevant work has been further strengthened, which can be summarized in the several aspects:

First, monitoring and early warning for pests and diseases have become more responsive. We have continuously optimized the three-dimensional monitoring network to promptly detect pest and disease risks, ensuring early detection, early warning and early response. In response to major animal and plant diseases and insect pests, such as African swine fever and desert locusts, 140 risk warnings and ban notices were issued in accordance with the law to firmly prevent the introduction of overseas diseases and pests through ports.

Second, quarantine and inspection at ports has become more precise. We have standardized the capacity for animal and plant quarantine at ports. With more than 10,000 advanced facilities and equipment equipped, and 147 front-line rapid testing laboratories put into use, port prevention and control capabilities have been comprehensively enhanced. We have launched a special action to strictly prevent the introduction of invasive species. Intelligent inspection equipment has been installed at the sites to enable the detection of exotic pets such as spiders and beetles without the need for unpacking. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, more than 64,000 exotic pets have been seized, and 278,000 instances of quarantine pests have been intercepted. Here, I would also like to issue a reminder that keeping exotic pets comes with risks and should not be undertaken lightly.

Furthermore, the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases has been strengthened. We have actively practiced the concept of "One World, One Health," adhered to the principle of preventing animal-to-human diseases through proactive veterinary measures, and front-loaded prevention and control efforts to cut the transmission routes of zoonotic diseases at the source. Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan, customs have detected 11,000 cases of animal diseases in inbound goods, seized more than 1.1 million metric tons of smuggled frozen products, and intercepted nearly 5,000 batches of illegally imported biological products, all of which were returned or destroyed in accordance with the law.

Additionally, cooperation and joint governance has become more efficient. Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan, we have established cooperation mechanisms with 27 countries and regions to jointly prevent the cross-border spread of animal and plant diseases and pests. On the domestic front, we have enhanced communication and cooperation with relevant departments such as agriculture and rural affairs, and forestry and grassland, to jointly safeguard biosecurity and ecological security. We have cracked down hard on quarantine evasion activities. The nation's first criminal case involving the illegal introduction of invasive alien species and the nation's first criminal case involving illegal disposal of imported grain compromising animal and plant quarantine were successfully adjudicated. Over 3,000 activities have been conducted to improve public awareness on national biosecurity, reaching more than 400 million people and continuously promoting public participation.

Here, I would also like to stress that border security is for the benefit of everyone and relies on everyone. I earnestly request that friends from the media join forces in continuing to guide the public to firmly resist the illegal purchase and introduction of alien species and exotic pets, and jointly protect our beautiful homeland.

Thank you.