Relations with Myanmar could come under renewed strain after more than 150 Chinese nationals received unusually harsh prison sentences for illegal logging in a northern state that borders China, analysts said.

A court in conflict-stricken Kachin sentenced them to 20 years on Wednesday. One received a 35-year sentence, and two Chinese minors were given 10 years.

The decision drew an immediate diplomatic protest from Beijing and the Chinese embassy in Myanmar. The verdicts were a cause of great concern to China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Wednesday. He asked Myanmar to resolve the case properly and send the group home.