China hopes for Myanmar ceasefire

China hopes to see a ceasefire between Myanmar government forces and Kachin ethnic minority rebels, it said yesterday after fresh fighting broke out near its southern border at the weekend.
The clashes came despite President Thein Sein offering peace talks to end Myanmar's last active civil war, which could see large numbers of displaced people fleeing into China if the fighting escalates.
Beijing's vice foreign minister Fu Ying visited Myanmar at the weekend for talks with Thein Sein, foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.