No more shark fin and bird's nest soup at Chinese official events

China’s ruling Communist Party announced the ban as part of a sweeping government crackdown on corruption, excessive spendings and extravagance.

An official notice from the party’s Central Committee and the State Council, China’s cabinet, released on Sunday “ruled out dishes containing shark fins, bird nests and wild animal products in official reception dinners”. Cash, negotiable securities and souvenirs are also ruled out as gifts to politicians, according to the document. (Szerencsi Ágnes, MTI)