China Continues to Defy International Law on Selling Tiger Parts

The Chinese authorities have continued to ignore the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) by selling ground up tiger bone in an alcoholic "tonic". Maybe they can come out with a commemorative Olympic bottle.

Staff at two "safari parks" a few hours from the capital Beijing offered to sell undercover investigators wine made from the crushed bones of tigers that died in captivity at the sanctuaries.

The wine, which it is claimed, helps to cure conditions including arthritis and rheumatism, is advertised openly and sold at the parks.

The revelations that the parks are breaking the law are embarrassing for the Chinese government which is trying to promote a positive image of the country in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics in August.

Yes, I'm sure they are very embarrassed. Just like they're "embarrassed" about all those restaurants that serve dog meat that will probably re-open right after the Olympics.

The Chinese government has been pushing for years to get the trade lifted on tiger and endangered animal parts. This is what they want. Why would they be ashamed of this?