BEIJING: China is ready to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions in Myanmar, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday, urging the international community to help facilitate diplomatic mediation for mitigating the situation in Myanmar at the earliest. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a query on a recent statement issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) involving the Myanmar issue.
Speaking on the UNSC statement, Zhao said China has constructively taken part in the relevant consultations. It is hoped the message conveyed by the UNSC can contribute to mitigating the situation, he added. The most pressing task at the moment is to prevent further bloodshed, ensure mitigation of the situation, step up diplomatic mediation, and promote dialogue for reconciliation, the spokesperson said. “The international community should help create a favorable environment for that.” He urged all parties in Myanmar to stay calm and exercise restraint, settle disputes and differences under the constitutional and legal framework via dialogue and consultations based on the fundamental interests of people in Myanmar, and continue to promote the transformation of its democracy.
Zhao also voiced China’s support for the mitigation efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the ASEAN Way while upholding the principle of non-interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs, and expressed hope that the special envoy of the UN Secretary-General can play a constructive role with active diplomatic mediation. – Agencies
