The Chinese Ministry of Public Security filed 9,705 criminal cases during its Ping’an Yuanye-2025 special campaign from August to December 2025. This wildlife protection initiative specifically targeted illegal hunting and trading of nationally protected birds. Among the total cases, 3,562 involved harm to birds, ministry officials revealed Wednesday on International Bird Loving Day.
Li Chunjie, deputy director of the environmental resources and food and drug crime investigation bureau, spoke at the media event. Birds are an important part of the ecosystem, Li explained. Protecting birds and other wild animals essentially means protecting humanity itself. However, criminal activities involving illegal hunting, capture, and trading of birds still occur in some regions.
The ministry adopted several measures to crack down on these wrongdoings. Officials listed cases for supervision and conducted specialized cluster operations. They also organized regional joint campaigns to strengthen investigation responsibilities. These efforts ensure that minor cases receive quick handling while major cases undergo thorough investigation. The ministry listed 38 major cases for direct supervision and initiated cluster strikes on 15 cross-provincial cases.
Liaoning province saw particularly notable results during the campaign. Liu Qitao, director-general of the environmental resources, food and drug crime investigation corps, described a major case solved by Dalian public security organs. In a single operation, authorities rescued more than 12,000 nationally Class-I protected Yellow-breasted buntings. This case exemplifies how Liaoning public security organs advanced the special operation and severely cracked down on bird-related crimes.
This wildlife protection campaign targeted multiple forms of illegal activity. Authorities focused on hunting with guns and drones, poisoning birds, and online sales of protected animals and their products. They also pursued cases involving laundering the illegal origins of wild animals. The ministry combined online and offline operations while utilizing various resources to build cases.
Looking ahead to 2026, Li announced that the ministry will consolidate and expand the achievements of the 2025 campaign. Public security organs nationwide will establish and improve a new proactive investigation and crackdown model. This model will continue to focus on prominent issues identified during the previous campaign. The ministry vowed to deal heavy blows and impose severe punishment in accordance with the law.
The campaign reflects China’s broader commitment to wildlife protection. Birds play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, and their protection has become increasingly urgent as some species face extinction threats. The Ping’an Yuanye-2025 campaign demonstrated that coordinated national efforts can yield significant results. The rescue of over 12,000 Yellow-breasted buntings in a single operation shows the scale of illegal hunting that still exists. It also shows the capacity of law enforcement to intervene effectively.
The new proactive investigation model for 2026 aims to stay ahead of criminal networks. By combining online surveillance with on-the-ground enforcement, authorities hope to disrupt illegal wildlife trade before it reaches markets. This approach recognizes that wildlife protection requires constant adaptation as criminals develop new methods. The ministry’s commitment to severe punishment also sends a strong deterrent message.
This wildlife protection campaign represents an important step in preserving China’s natural heritage. The Yellow-breasted bunting rescue alone saved a species that has faced dramatic population declines. Continued enforcement and evolving strategies will determine whether such successes can be sustained. The ministry’s focus on emerging threats like drone hunting and online sales demonstrates awareness of changing criminal tactics. As the 2026 campaign develops, these proactive measures will likely become even more sophisticated. The ultimate goal remains clear: ensuring that birds and other wild animals can thrive without the threat of illegal hunting and trade.
