China's vow to shut down its commercial ivory trade is set to benefit the Asian powerhouse enormously.

The ban, which was lauded by environmental activists as a turning point in the fight against poaching, strengthened President Xi Jinping's war on corrupt government officials, some of whom are known to use ivory products.

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The decision has also galvanized support among China's African allies, who have long pressured the mainland to curb poaching. It also gave the country a big opportunity to elevate its position on the global stage as a guardian of the environment. The initiative comes at a time when many environmental experts and activists are growing increasingly doubtful of the United States' ability to take the lead on environmental issues.

Peter Knights, the executive director of WildAid, said that Chinese leaders are aware that taking action on environmental issues such as climate change and illegal wildlife trade will help cement China as a global superpower.

"With power comes responsibility. They know it's not worth damaging China's international image to be involved in this trade," Knights, whose organization has spent four years and $3 million on an advertising campaign in China against illegal ivory trade, said.

China's communist government in the past has been reluctant to institute measures against illegal wildlife trade. It has been of the opinion that conservationists have exaggerated China's role in fuelling the destructive trade.

But recently, attitudes among top Chinese leaders have shifted. A wave of bad publicity has revealed the wicked actions of Chinese ivory smugglers. There are also proofs that China's economic boom has led to a spike in the demand for ivory products.

Ivory has become a status symbol for China's middle class. These are used in products such as necklaces and table lamps. 

Meanwhile, celebrities such as basketball superstar Yao Ming have also added their voices to the effort, urging the Chinese government to bring it to an end.

The ivory trade has led to the deaths of over 10,000 elephants in the last 10 years.

Tagschina, illegal ivory trade, Asia