JAKARTA - Myanmar must work closely with China to maintain stability at the border, a Beijing official said on Monday, after fighting between military junta forces and civil resistance groups broke out at the border.
Last week, the ruling Myanmar military said it was trying to restore order near the border, after an alliance of ethnic minority soldiers struggling to determine their own destiny launched a series of coordinated attacks against the junta's targets.
"Myanmar was asked to cooperate with China to maintain stability along the China-Myanmar border, seriously ensuring the safety of lives and property of Chinese border residents, taking effective steps to strengthen the security of Chinese personnel," Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong said. November 6th.
Earlier, the Asia Times news website reported one Chinese citizen was killed and several others injured on Saturday, when the ammunition fired by the Myanmar military exceeded its target and hit China's border side.
Nong, who visited Myanmar on November 3-5, said Beijing hoped Myanmar would restore stability, support all parties to deal with differences well and achieve reconciliation through dialogue as soon as possible.
Despite being criticized and sanctioned by Western countries, Myanmar's military junta has the support of Russia and China. Beijing said it supports Myanmar in its own path, urging the international community to respect the sovereignty of the Land of a Thousand Pagodas.
Last week, China's Foreign Ministry said it was following the conflict in Myanmar closely.
"We urge all parties to immediately stop fighting, resolve differences peacefully through dialogue and consultation and avoid escalation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular press conference.
In addition to border issues, Nong during his visit urged Myanmar to strengthen the security of Chinese institutions and projects in Myanmar.
He also visited a 793 km natural gas pipeline, part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure and energy network, which connects Ramree Island on Myanmar's west coast with China's Ruili border city in Yunnan Province.
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Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military coup in February 2021 toppled the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
Meanwhile, pro-democracy rebel groups in some areas have been working with ethnic minority insurgents, who have campaigned for decades to gain greater autonomy to fight the junta's might.
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