China mediates at successful Myanmar peace talks

China mediated as Myanmar's government held the seventh round of peace talks with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the sides signed a formal ceasefire agreement that began on Saturday, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

The talks were held in mid-January, in China's southwestern city of Kunming, where the two sides thanked Beijing for its efforts to promote peace, Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry said at a daily news briefing.

Cooling down the situation in northern Myanmar serves the common interest of all parties in Myanmar and other countries in the region, and is conducive to the security, stability, and development of the border area between China and Myanmar, Mao said.

As friendly neighbors, China firmly opposes wars and turbulence in Myanmar and hopes that all parties will maintain the momentum of ceasefire and peace talks, take the initiative in de-escalating the situation on the ground and further resolve relevant issues through negotiation, she said.

Mao said China supports Myanmar in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity, and supports the country's efforts to uphold domestic peace and stability, and promote economic development.

She also reiterated support for Myanmar in realizing political reconciliation at an early date and advancing its domestic political agenda under the framework of the Constitution.

China stands ready to actively promote peace and dialogue and provide support and assistance to the peace process in northern Myanmar, Mao said.