NGO: smuggling of jade from Myanmar

Up to 90 percent of the jade mined in Myanmar is smuggled to China, according to a report by the non-governmental organization Global Witness. The organization accuses China of being massively involved in financing the military regime in Myanmar. Global Witness, in its report released on Tuesday, called on China to acknowledge its role in corruption and conflict related to the jade trade in Myanmar and to take steps against it. According to the report, corruption in the stones trade extends to Myanmar General Min Aung Hlaing, the country’s de facto ruler. Global Witness also called on the global community to boycott all jade and gemstones mined in Myanmar.