Chinese children rescued from smugglers

Chinese authorities have rescued 89 trafficked children – including one aged only 10 days – after uncovering two gangs buying and selling youngsters.

The arrests of 369 people highlighted China's thriving black market in children – mostly involving buyers who want more children or those who want them as slave labour – that endures despite harsh penalties for traffickers.

It was not clear from the Ministry of Public Security's website if sexual abuse might also have been a motive for the trafficking.

One case stretched across 14 provinces in China and the other involved a trafficking ring which sold children, mainly in Vietnam.

The operation involved 2,600 officers. The People's Daily said the oldest rescued child was a four-year-old.

It is often difficult to trace the parents of trafficked children. While many babies are stolen, some are sold by their parents.