China said on Friday it has mediated a ceasefire between an alliance of armed ethnic minority groups in northern Myanmar and the country's ruling military.

The remarks were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Mao said that China facilitated peace talks between the two forces in the Chinese city of Kunming on January 10-11, and both sides agreed to cease fighting and resolve disputes through negotiations.

The two sides also pledged not to harm the safety of Chinese residents living in the border areas and Chinese projects and personnel in Myanmar, she noted.

China hopes that relevant parties in Myanmar will earnestly implement the ceasefire agreement, exercise maximum restraint, and jointly push for progress in the peace process in northern Myanmar, said Mao, adding China will continue to provide support within its capacity and play a constructive role in this regard.

(Cover: A file photo of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)