MTV launched a new documentary in Beijing on Wednesday (September 4), aiming to raise public awareness of human trafficking in China.

The United Nations estimates that out of two million women and children trafficked every year, 30 percent of the cases are in Asia.

Human Traffic: China was produced by MTV EXIT's (End Exploitation and Trafficking) campaign, which works with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

An annual U.S. State Department report had recently cited Russia and China among the world's worst offenders in fighting forced labour and sex trafficking.

The report said China's one-child policy and preference for sons has led to fewer women in the country, thus increasing demand for women as brides or prostitutes.

MTV's 36-minute documentary tells three stories from victims of human trafficking, also including interviews with their families, a convicted trafficker and police.

"(This documentary is) to educate Chinese audiences about what the current situation of trafficking is right here in China. So looking at the merging trends of both trafficking of male and female, you know people, and also children as well. So it's looking at kind of a collection of stories to tell the current situation of human trafficking in China," said Matt Love, Director of MTV EXIT.

Trafficking is an issue in China, which has said it was making progress in fighting the problem, both domestically and from Southeast Asian nations such as neighbouring poverty-stricken Myanmar. It has resorted to harsh punishments to deter it, including the death penalty.

Human trafficking can take many forms - from prostitution to forced labour such as migrant work or domestic servitude - and children also can be victims. Perpetrators are difficult to track and largely circulate in the private economy, although cases can involve rebel groups or national authorities.

Presented by Adam Justice

Pictures: MTV EXIT