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Rejected! Yao Ming says no to wildlife trafficking

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, center, talks with retired Chinese basketball star Yao Ming, left, about his efforts against international wildlife trafficking as the two participate in an event about combating trade of animal remains, during the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Wednesday, July 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Jim Bourg, Pool)
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, center, talks with retired Chinese basketball star Yao Ming, left, about his efforts against international wildlife trafficking as the two participate in an event about combating trade of animal remains, during the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Wednesday, July 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Jim Bourg, Pool)

By Associated Press 1 min read

BEIJING (AP) – Yao Ming is putting on the full-court press against wildlife trafficking.

The former NBA star, a Chinese basketball icon, is working with top American and Chinese officials to stamp out global trade in endangered species and their parts.

Yao, who retired from basketball in 2011, has focused much of his efforts against shark fin consumption and elephant ivory use.

Yao says, “We are not the only creatures on Earth.”

Joining him Wednesday was U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, in Beijing for this year’s “Strategic and Economic Dialogue” with China. The U.S. and China are top destinations for wildlife trafficking.