China to play constructive role in Myanmar peace process

BEIJING -- China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the peace process in Myanmar, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

China has always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar, said spokesperson Hua Chunying at a routine press briefing.

She said China will never allow any organizations or individual using Chinese territory to undermine China-Myanmar relations as well as the stability of the border areas.

Hua made the remarks when asked to confirm whether China has links with the Kokang ethnic army.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) launched attacks on several government outposts in Kokang region, Myanmar's northeastern Shan state, on Feb 9.

The government terms MNDAA as Kokang renegade groups. The battlefield mainly covered areas of Laukkai and Kongyan.

During the week-long clashes, the government forces carried out five air strikes, claiming 47 of their forces lost their lives with 73 others being wounded in the heavy fighting with MNDAA over the past few days.

"We hope the conflicting parties in Myanmar to show restraint, avoid escalation of the situation, and try not to affect the stability of the China-Myanmar border and the security of the Chinese side," said Hua.

China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the peace process in Myanmar according to the will of the Myanmar side, she said.