This scene has never happened before in public.<br /> <br />China crushing a part of its ivory stockpile.<br /> <br />It wants to discourage the illegal trade in African elephant ivory -- and shed its image as a global hub for that trade.<br /> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) YANG LIUYING, RESEARCHER AT THE CHINESE CUSTOMS ANTI-SMUGGLING TEAM, SAYING:<br /> <br />"We do not deny the fact that in recent years, there is an increasing trend of ivory being smuggled to China. We have to strengthen our efforts in this area."<br /> <br />Demand for ivory is soaring among China's emerging affluent class.<br /> <br />And with it, the illegal slaughter of African elephants for their tusks.<br /> <br />Some wildlife groups say over 90 percent of the ivory for sale in China is illegally sourced.<br /> <br />Representatives of wildlife trade watchdog groups say this landmark ceremony can't be underestimated.<br /> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES),
