FM: China-Myanmar border not closed

BEIJING - China has strengthened management of its border with Myanmar but has not closed it, despite conflict in northern Myanmar, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"China is paying great attention to the current situation in northern Myanmar, which impacts stability in the border areas between China and Myanmar," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing.

He urged the sides concerned to exercise restraint to prevent the conflict from escalating, and to alleviate tensions as soon as possible.

Hong said China also hoped the Myanmar side would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and organizations in Myanmar.

According to Hong, China had offered, and will continue to offer, the necessary assistance to Myanmar nationals who had arrived in China for safety reasons.

"China has suggested that Myanmar should reinforce its border management," said the spokesman.

"China adheres to the principle of non-interference into any other country's internal affairs, it respects Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and does not allow any organization or person to use Chinese territory to hurt the China-Myanmar relationship or stability in its border areas," said the spokesperson.

Hong said China had always stuck to those principles and maintained close communication with the Myanmar side since conflict broke out in northern Myanmar.

"The Myanmar side has fully acknowledged this," said the spokesman.