China condemns Myanmar border violence

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China on Sunday condemned military fighting in Myanmar between Myanmar's government troops and ethnic militants near the Chinese border on May 12.

The military conflict killed two Chinese nationals in Myanmar, drove three rocket grenades and several stray bullets into Chinese side and caused over 300 Myanmar citizens to flee into Chinese territory, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said during a regular press conference.

He added, out of humanitarian spirit, the Chinese side has taken necessary measures and properly settled these people.

China’s embassy in Myanmar said in a statement that the conflict had sent stray bullets into China, along with an unidentified number of people seeking refuge.

An alleged Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) soldier takes up position during clashes with Myanmar's military in Muse, May 12, 2018./VCG Photo

"China’s embassy in Myanmar condemns this violent incident, and feels pained for the relevant innocent people who were harmed," the embassy said in a statement, adding that it had made “solemn representations” to Myanmar’s government.

Lu noted the continuing and escalating military conflicts runs counter to the efforts made by relevant parties in Myanmar to hold the third meeting of the Panglong Peace Conference and seek national reconciliation and peace as well as the consensus to safeguard peace and tranquility of the border area.

He expressed China has lodged stern representations with relevant parties in Myanmar.

China called all conflicting parties to immediately cease fire and take every possible measure to avoid an escalation of the situation, return peace and tranquility at an early date to the China-Myanmar border area, and never allow such incident which threatens peace and stability in the China-Myanmar border area to happen again, he added.

The spokesperson believed that "the principle of promoting the peace process through dialogue and consultation with comprehensive and inclusive policies needs to be observed by all parties in Myanmar and it also represents the only viable way for Myanmar to realize reconciliation and peace."

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang speaks during a regular press conference, May 14, 2018, in Beijing, China. /MOFA Photo

He urged "relevant parties in Myanmar to abide by this principle, seek to work towards the same direction through dialogues, properly handle differences, build mutual trust, and endeavor to move forward the peace process."

Violence on the Myanmar side of the border has in recent years sent thousands fleeing through the rugged mountain terrain into China, where the Chinese government at times has set up relief camps.

In 2017, Chinese authorities estimated a flare-up of violence to have sent more than 20,000 refugees across the border, and fighting in 2009 and 2015 displaced tens of thousands of people. Ordnance has occasionally strayed into China and killed people.

(With inputs from agencies)

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