BEIJING, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Myanmar should cooperate with China to maintain stability on their common border, a Chinese official said on Monday, after a surge of fighting in Myanmar between junta forces and insurgents rocked the region.
"Myanmar is called on to cooperate with China to maintain stability along the China-Myanmar border, earnestly ensure the safety of the lives and property of Chinese border residents, and take effective measures to strengthen the security of Chinese personnel," Nong said.
Nong, who visited Myanmar on Nov. 3-5, said China hoped Myanmar would restore stability, and it supported all parties to properly handle differences and achieve reconciliation through dialogue as soon as possible.
While Western governments have condemned the Myanmar military and imposed sanctions on it, China, along with Russia, have been supportive of the generals.
China says it supports Myanmar in finding its own path and has urged the international community to respect its sovereignty.
Persons:
Nong, Nobel, Aung, Wang Wenbin, Ella Cao, Bernard Orr, Tom Hogue, Robert Birsel
Organizations:
Asia Times, Thomson
Locations:
BEIJING, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Suu Kyi, Russia