China is urging Myanmar to maintain peace and order along the border after renewed fighting between rebels and Myanmar's army sent some locals fleeing over the border into Chinese territory.

Hua Chunying is the spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"China is concerned about the Myanmar situation. During the past two days, some Myanmar border residents, because of safety considerations, have entered China. They have been looked after. China will continue to pay close attention to how the situation develops, and maintain the peace and stability of the China-Myanmar border. We also believe that the Myanmar side should also work hard for this."

Hua Chunying says the combatants in northern Myanmar should resolve their differences via peaceful talks and prevent the clashes from escalating and affecting border stability, and especially from affecting security and order on the Chinese side.

The latest escalation of fighting in Myanmar's war-torn northeastern border areas has claimed an estimated 20 lives over the past week.

China urges Myanmar to maintain border stability