Schools in Yunnan suspended classes due to conflict in Myanmar; FM urges cease-fire to ensure border security

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin Photo: mfa.gov.cn

China urges relevant parties to cease fire as soon as possible and settle differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation, so as to ensure security and stability at the China-Myanmar border, China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, after media reported on Monday that three schools in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province had suspended classes for two days due to due to the conflict in Myanmar.

According to media reports, a local official confirmed on Monday that three schools in the main urban area of Wanding will suspend classes on Monday and Tuesday, and if the situation improves, the missed classes will be made up on Saturday and Sunday. Wanding is part of Ruili, a city in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, and is a border port between China and Myanmar.

According to a screenshot posted by a netizen, one of the schools reminded teachers and students not to be scared and to seek shelter if they hear gunfire, so as not to be hit by stray bullets.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a routine press conference on Tuesday that China is closely following the conflict and urges relevant parties to cease fire as soon as possible.

Wang noted that China calls for settling differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation, and to avoid escalating the situation. “We urge relevant parties to take effective steps to ensure security and stability at the China-Myanmar border,” Wang added.

According to China Central Television military, citing Myanmar media reports, multiple military bases of the Myanmar army in many areas in northern Myanmar were attacked by armed forces on Friday, leading to intense fighting. This attack was led by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army.

Resident on the Yunnan border captured rising smoke from an explosion in Myanmar on Monday and uploaded it online. According to the video’s photographer Li, his location is one kilometer away from Myanmar in a straight line, and gunshots and cannon sounds have been continuous for the past two days. "The neighborhood committee notified us to go to the urban area to take shelter," he said.

According to the Beijing News on Tuesday, shops in Wanding town have been temporarily closed. Local officials stated that to ensure the safety of the people, they are organizing orderly evacuations, encouraging residents to seek shelter with relatives and friends. Currently, there are still over 100 people in the town.