In 1981, China and Japan signed an agreement to protect migratory birds and their habitats. According to the treaty, both countries prohibit any sale, purchase or exchange of migratory birds or their eggs. However, both are allowed to establish seasons for hunting migratory birds, providing the maintenance of annual reproduction required for the survival of those birds is taken into account.

A similar agreement between China and Australia was developed in 1986.

The agreement aims to minimize harm to the areas used by birds migrating between the two countries. However, the hunting and gathering of specified migratory birds or their eggs by inhabitants of specified regions who have traditionally carried out the activity to provide food, clothing or for cultural purposes is still legal, provided that the population of each species is maintained at an optimum number and that preservation of the species is not jeopardized.

Meanwhile, China and South Korea concluded a protection agreement in 2007. China became the third country to conclude such an agreement with the South Koreans, after Russia and Australia. The agreement bans the capture and sale of more than 300 species of migratory birds and urges the protection of habitats necessary for their survival.

- Mo Jingxi