However, the loggers are in the actual control area of Kachin State near the China-Myanmar border. They were authorized by the actual controller and paid a certain fee, so from a certain point of view, these loggers are legal.
Four years ago, the Kachin army clashed with government troops here. China's economic prosperity and the development of manufacturing industry make China's demand for wood increase continuously. This has also led to an increase in illegal timber imports, especially precious mahogany and teak.
According to the latest official data, the forest coverage rate in Myanmar has dropped from 57.9% in 1990 to 47.6% in 2005. In recent years, Myanmar's efforts to combat timber smuggling are believed to have reduced the amount of timber smuggling.
The arrest and sentencing of 0/02 loggers in China/KLOC has also become the focus of attention in China. Because of China's international influence, Myanmar will not ignore it. Therefore, the President of Myanmar took the opportunity of the national amnesty to release the China lumberjack who was originally sentenced to life imprisonment, which also showed the unique diplomatic and public relations skills of the Myanmar government. This is the best of both worlds, because it warns countries of illegal logging and will not offend China.