China scorns NY Times on Myanmar

BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Tuesday called a New York Times editorial, entitled "The plunder of Myanmar", a distortion of the facts.

The New York Times said China was responsible for the wholesale looting of Myanmar's natural resources.

"China's desire for everything from tiger parts to copper is threatening the environment and political stability," it said, noting that "the people of Myanmar want this plunder stopped."

"We firmly disagree with the editorial," Hua said, adding the article maliciously provoked strife between China and Myanmar.

China has always been opposed to illegal logging, illegal mining and illegal wildlife trade, said the spokeswoman.

"We are committed to strengthening cooperation with our neighbors, including Myanmar, to tackle illegal activities, protect natural environment and safeguard the stability of border areas," she said.

She said China has always required Chinese nationals and enterprises abroad to abide by local laws and regulations, protect the environment and bring benefits to local people.