Illegal timber from Myanmar surges into China

The flow of illegal timber into China from Myanmar has escalated markedly as Chinese operations venture deeper into the country in pursuit of valuable teak and rosewood, The Guardian reported, citing a report by the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency. Timber volume is close to the peak level hit a decade ago before Beijing was forced to crack down in 2006, after environmental groups exposed the extent of destruction from logging. “New investments in infrastructure in the country, including dams, ensure roads are built, leading timber bosses from China straight to Myanmar’s valuable forests,” said Faith Doherty, one of the report’s authors.