ISTANBUL

China's President Xi Jinping called Friday for advancing Myanmar's political agenda “in a prudent manner" during a meeting with Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning wrote on X.

China supports Myanmar in "pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, safeguarding sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national stability, and advancing its domestic political agenda in a prudent manner," said Xi.

He also urged Myanmar to "effectively protect" the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Myanmar, and exert more effort to stop cross-border crimes, according to a government statement.

Both leaders are visiting Russia for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day against Nazi Germany.

Xi said China would continue to extend support to Myanmar in the aftermath of a March 28 earthquake in Mandalay.

The earthquake left nearly 3,800 dead and tens of thousands homeless.

Myanmar is experiencing a prolonged ethnic conflict, mostly in northern parts, where ethnic armed groups have been clashing with the ruling military junta in recent months. The violence has displaced thousands and raised concerns about the conflict spilling over into Thailand.

Myanmar and the ethnic armed groups recently agreed to further extend the temporary ceasefire period from May 6 to May 31.

China has also sent observers to Myanmar to monitor a ceasefire between the parties.