Chinese forest authorities have imposed heavy fines on companies for illegal logging.
Fines have been levied in 10 cases of illegal logging, with five companies having to pay between US$60,000 and US$1.2m for damage caused while constructing roads, industrial parks and hydropower stations.
The State Forestry Administration has reported a further eight major cases of forest crime involving corporate bodies, firms or timber businessmen in several provinces.
It said a total of 5,681 cases of illegal logging were reported during the first six months of 2004, up 60% on last year.
