Why does China want Pakistan's donkeys?

The demand for donkey hides in China is insatiable. While donkeys may not hold significant value in other parts of the world, they are regarded as valuable assets in China.

The Chinese recognize the worth of a donkey's hide and the products derived from it, which remain highly sought after in the country. However, Chinese donkey breeders have failed to meet the market demand, resulting in the need to import donkeys from other regions such as Africa and Pakistan.

Utilization in China

Donkey hides offer numerous purported medicinal benefits to the Chinese population, including the treatment of anemia, reproductive issues, and insomnia, although these claims lack clinical proof.

The primary product derived from donkey hides is called Eijao, a traditional medicine that has been used in China for thousands of years. Previously reserved for the Chinese royal class, the demand has now extended to the middle class.

The production of this medicine involves mixing collagen extracted from donkey hides with mineral-rich water from China's Shandong province. The collagen is obtained through a 99-step process of boiling the donkey's skin, performed at specific times of the year.

Chinese factories earn millions of dollars by manufacturing beauty products using donkey hides. To facilitate easier importation of donkey hides, the government has reduced the import tax from 5% to 2%.

According to a 2016 report by Chinese state-run Xinhua, the market in China requires around 4 million donkeys annually, yet the domestic supply falls short at less than 1.8 million. Consequently, China has to rely on donkey imports.

But, why Pakistan?

Pakistan ranks as the third largest producer of donkeys, while Africa has the highest production. China's estimated donkey population is 4.9 million.

Pakistan has been exporting donkeys to China in recent years, with two major donkey farms located in Dera Ismail Khan and Mansehra, involving foreign partnerships. Apart from live donkeys, there have also been instances of illegal exports of donkey hides from Pakistan to China.

Between 2014 and 2016, Pakistan exported nearly 200,000 donkey skins to China. Unfortunately, this also led to an increase in the fraudulent sale of donkey meat as beef in Pakistani markets. As Pakistan is a Muslim country, this constituted a serious crime, prompting the government to ban donkey and donkey hide exports.

However, illegal slaughterhouses continued operations, and donkey hides were smuggled into China in recent years due to high demand. Authorities have taken measures against these illegal traders, but complete eradication remains a challenge.

Due to China's massive demand for donkey hides, Beijing eventually persuaded the Pakistani government to resume exports. Consequently, the government has now approved the export of donkey hides to China, as reported by Pakistan's ARY News. These hides will be exported to China for processing.

Consequences

China's growing demand for donkeys has resulted in the depletion of the animal population in various regions, particularly in Africa and Pakistan.

From dogs to donkeys, China seeks to acquire everything for its own purposes. It is concerning that we may soon witness a significant decline in this animal's population, which also serves as a vital source of income for impoverished families.