China's legislature adopts decision on banning illegal trade, consumption of wildlife

File photo of a baby Sunda pangolin and its mother. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, or China's top legislature, during a session Monday adopted a decision on thoroughly banning the illegal trading of wildlife and eliminating the consumption of wild animals to safeguard people's lives and health.

The move aims to safeguard biological and ecological safety and effectively prevent major public health risks, among other purposes.

The decision takes effect on the day of its promulgation. ■