China willing to help Myanmar peace talks

BEIJING - China will continue to play a constructive role in peace talks between the Myanmar government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

Representatives of the Myanmar government and the KIO held talks in China's border town of Ruili on Monday.

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing that the meeting marked the first time for both sides to engage in direct contact since the conflict escalated in June 2011.

Luo Zhaohui, head of the Asian Affairs Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, met with representatives from both sides before Monday's talks and attended the talks as a witness.

"China would like congratulate the two parties on the achievements that have been made on significant issues including cease-fire and peace talks, and hopes they will fulfill their commitments and maintain contact," Hua said.