"Chinese industry takes bold step to tackle land grabs with launch of new rubber guidelines", 23 Oct 2017

New Chinese rubber industry guidelines could play a key role in tackling land grabs and deforestation across the Mekong according to non-governmental group Global Witness. The guidelines, launched today at an intergovernmental conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, are the most progressive yet in addressing the social and environmental risks for companies associated with large-scale rubber plantations around the world...

The Chinese Guidelines for Sustainable Development of Natural Rubber have been launched by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (CCCMC), which is supervised by the Ministry of Commerce.

The guidelines were drafted in association with international and Chinese partners, including Global Witness, following a four year-long drafting process including a public consultation...

[Ali Hines of the Global Witness Land team] said: “CCCMC are to be congratulated for their guidelines which represent a significant step towards eliminating land grabs and deforestation from company supply chains. What is crucial now is that Chinese rubber companies rigorously implement the standards and inspire other companies to do the same.”