ISTANBUL

Expressing concern over the escalating armed conflict, China on Tuesday urged Myanmar's junta regime to ensure security of the border region.

“The Chinese side is highly concerned about the conflict in northern Myanmar,” said Mao Ning, spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry, referring to the armed conflict between rebels and the military junta in Myanmar's northern Shan state.

“We demand Myanmar to take practical and effective measures to ensure the security and stability of the China-Myanmar border,” Mao told reporters in Beijing.

Recent days have also seen heightened skirmishes in Shan, near the border with China.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, and the Arakan Army armed groups have claimed control of numerous outposts and four towns, blocking critical trade routes to China.

Hundreds of people have fled the conflict and some have entered Indian territory in recent days.

Myanmar is currently ruled by a junta regime after the military overthrew a civilian government two years ago.

The UN expressed alarm at the severe fighting in Shan, pointing to reports of artillery fire and air raids causing civilian harm, displacement of tens of thousands, and hundreds fleeing across the border.

Mao said China urges “all parties involved to cease fire as soon as possible, and persist in resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation in order to avoid an escalation of the situation,” Beijing-based daily Global Times reported.