Chinese 'not trapped' in Myanmar fighting

Reports about Chinese citizens being trapped in Myanmar's conflict-stricken state of Kachin were "not true", according to a preliminary investigation by a Chinese consular working group in the state, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

"We will continue monitoring and verifying the situation to ensure Chinese citizens' safety and rights," Hua Chunying said at a regular news conference.

On Monday, the working group arrived at Myitgyina, capital of the northernmost state of Myanmar, which borders southern China.

According to Global Times, hundreds of Chinese citizens were among 2,000 civilians trapped by renewed fighting that started last week between Myanmar government troops and the ethnic Kachin Independence Army in the state.

The Chinese citizens included jade dealers, goldminers and loggers, the report said.

Hua said China hopes stability will return to northern Myanmar as soon as possible and called for the parties concerned to resolve their differences through dialogue.

She said China would like to continue to play a mediating role if Myanmar agreed.