Beijing urges junta, rebels to implement ceasefire deal

Fighting for control: TNLA forces preparing their weapons amid clashes with junta forces in Namhsan, Shan State. Any ceasefire deal taking effect would be a significant diplomatic feat for China, which has been trying to portray itself as a peacemaker in conflicts around the world. — AFP

BEIJING called for Myanmar’s junta and an alliance of rebels to put into effect a temporary ceasefire agreement it recently helped broker to pause clashes along the border.

“China hopes relevant parties in Myanmar can effectively implement what has been agreed, exercise maximum restraint” and “work for a soft landing of the situation”, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.