China calls for northern Myanmar ceasefire

BEIJING, Jan. 17 (People's Daily Online) -- A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry here on Thursday called on parties involved in the ongoing armed conflicts in northern Myanmar to realize a ceasefire soon.

Speaking at a daily press briefing, Hong Lei confirmed a bomb was dropped inside China on Tuesday afternoon, about 500 meters from its border with Myanmar, as fighting continues between Myanmar military and the Kachin Independence Army. The bomb fortunately caused no casualties.

"China has lodged urgent representation to Myanmar over the incident, to express grave concerns and dissatisfaction," Hong said, adding that China demands Myanmar thoroughly investigate and take every necessary step to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

This was the fourth bomb dropped inside China as a result of the Myanmar conflict, following three others on the evening of Dec. 30.

Hong urged the opposing sides to exercise the "utmost restraint," solve conflicts through talks, and effectively maintain stability around the China-Myanmar border.

"China has for a long time closely followed the development of the situation in northern Myanmar and the influence on the border area," the spokesman said.

He said authorities of southwest China's Yunnan Province that borders Myanmar had taken effective measures to ensure border areas are not affected by the fighting.

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