FM spokesman: south Myanmar conflict requires negotiation

BEIJING, Jan. 21 (People's Daily Online) -- A Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday called on concerned parties in Myanmar to begin negotiating in order to end the violence in the region.

"We believe that talks are the only correct solution to the north Myanmar conflict and expect all related parties to seek a ceasefire and start negotiations," spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing.

Hong's comments came after the Myanmar government announced on Friday that it would cease fighting with the ethnic Kachin Independence Army.

Hong's comments also came after the Chinese government's special envoy Fu Ying traveled to Yangon and met with Myanmar President U Thein Sein on Saturday.

As neighbors, China and Myanmar share a 2,200-km border and citizens of both nations living on the border are closely linked, Hong said.

"Turmoil in one country will definitely affect the other country along the border," Hong said. "The Chinese government is closely watching the development of the situation along the China-Myanmar border."

Hong said China will continue to play a constructive role and effectively safeguard peace along the border.

"We sincerely expect the parties concerned to resolve their differences through negotiations, realize the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups and make the China-Myanmar border area a source of cooperation between the two countries," Hong said.

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