NAIROBI, Nov. 11 -- The Unite States will partner with China and African countries to root out the menace of poaching, a visiting U.S. high-level official said on Monday.

Catherine A. Novelli, the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Monday that Washington will offer material and technical assistance to revitalize the fight against wildlife crimes in Africa.

"Wildlife is a natural treasure that should be protected from criminal syndicate. The United States' contribution to wildlife protection in Africa will remain steadfast," Novelli said in Nairobi.

She said that delegates from eight African countries, China and the United States had attended a conference on wildlife trafficking in neighboring Tanzania to explore new strategies to contain wildlife crimes.

The U.S. official said Washington will forge partnership with China to strengthen response to wildlife crimes in Africa, stressing that China has responded positively to a request by the United States to support war against poaching of African elephants and rhinos.

"It was encouraging to witness a size-able delegation of Chinese officials attend the wildlife trafficking conference in Tanzania. Our Chinese colleagues are responding positively to anti- poaching message," Novelli said.

America and China have agreed on a raft of interventions to halt wildlife trafficking in Africa, she said, noting that both countries have rallied behind public awareness targeting tourists, businesses and ordinary citizens.

"We are exploring partnership with shipping companies, airlines and ports to break off ivory supply chains," said Novelli, adding that the U.S. will also support African civil society to educate the public on the dangers of wildlife trafficking.

Novelli said President Barack Obama's administration will provide additional funds to support interventions that reduce poaching of African mammals, adding that the United States is concerned about escalating wildlife crimes that threatens Africa's socioeconomic fabric.

"We have contributed 60 million dollars this year to finance anti-poaching initiatives in Africa. The State Department will give an additional 15 million dollars for training and capacity development," Novelli revealed.

The United States has also endorsed several legislative and policy tools to boost the war against environmental crimes in Africa.

"President Obama has initiated an executive order to involve 18 state agencies in anti-poaching activities across Sub-Saharan Africa," said Novelli.