Beijing condemns fighting between Myanmar army, rebels near China border
Parties should ‘exercise restraint’, implement a ceasefire and prevent the situation from escalating, embassy says
China on Sunday condemned fighting in Myanmar between government troops and ethnic militants near the Chinese border, that left 19 people dead and caused others to flee into its territory.
Myanmar’s military frequently clashes with several groups who say they are fighting for greater autonomy for ethnic minorities in the area, through which much of Myanmar’s foreign trade flows.
The Myanmar government said on Saturday that ethnic insurgents in the country killed 19 people – including four members of the security forces and 15 civilians – in a major attack near the main border gate with China.
A further 20 civilians were wounded, a spokesman said.
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army, made up of fighters from the Ta’ang or Palaung ethnic group, said the group attacked a casino run by militiamen, and a Myanmar army post on the outskirts of border town Muse, a few hundred metres from a river that separates Myanmar’s northern Shan state and southwestern China’s Yunnan province.