China's love for jade: Coveted gemstones smuggled out of Myanmar
Myanmar is the world's leading producer of jade. Up to 90 percent of global supply of the precious stone is mined in the country's northern Kachin state, despite a decades-long armed rebellion raging there. According to the NGO Global Witness, some 90 percent of this jade is then smuggled out of the country – almost all of it to neighbouring China. Once favoured by emperors to defy death, jade and its knock-offs continue to be worn as a status symbol. Our correspondents Yena Lee, Yorben den Hartog and Jasmine Ling report.
Myanmar is the world's leading producer of jade. Up to 90 percent of global supply of the precious stone is mined in the country's northern Kachin state, despite a decades-long armed rebellion raging there. According to the NGO Global Witness, some 90 percent of this jade is then smuggled out of the country – almost all of it to neighbouring China. Once favoured by emperors to defy death, jade and its knock-offs continue to be worn as a status symbol. Our correspondents Yena Lee, Yorben den Hartog and Jasmine Ling report.
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