The Chinese government has found itself involved in a cross-border logging case.

Chinese authorities are looking into reports that over 100 people, said to be mostly Chinese nationals, have been arrested as part of an illegal logging operation in Myanmar, in an area close to the border with Yunnan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei:

"The Chinese embassy in Myanmar is now verifying the details. We are willing to duly settle the issue with Myanmar and safeguard order along the Chinese-Myanmar border. But at the same time, we want to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of any Chinese nationals being held are protected."

The government of Myanmar banned the export of logs from its country last year amid concerns about deforestation.

Northern Myanmar is home to large swaths of tropical forests with many rare varieties of trees.