Five people in eastern China have been sentenced to between seven years and life in jail for kidnapping and selling children

BBC News:

The gang kidnapped four children in the city of Longyang in Fujian province and sold them in a nearby city in 2005 and 2006, Xinhua news agency said.

The kidnappers met over the internet, the report added.

Child trafficking is seen as a growing problem in China, despite government attempts to crack down on it.

Correspondents say the trade in children is seen as a growing problem in China.

The problem is exacerbated by China's strict birth control policies, which limit many couples to only one child, and impose fines if they exceed the limit.

An apparent gender imbalance, with far more boys recorded born than girls, has also meant a shortage of brides for sons.

Families may also buy trafficked women and children to use as extra labour and household servants.

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