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Rebel clashes along China-Myanmar border subside

Fighting appeared to have subsided along China's southern border after days of clashes between Myanmar government troops and ethnic rebels sent thousands of refugees streaming into China.

Updated on: Aug 30, 2009 01:39 PM IST
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Fighting appeared to have subsided on Sunday along China's southern border after days of clashes between Myanmar government troops and ethnic rebels sent thousands of refugees streaming into China.

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At least one person was killed on Saturday and dozens injured when a bomb was tossed into China, a report said.

The clashes pose a major concern to Communist China and its goal of stability ahead of the sensitive October 1 celebration of its 60th anniversary. Beijing has told Myanmar to end the fighting to "safeguard the regional stability."

The fighting also threatens to strain China's close relationship with Myanmar's military junta, which has been trying to consolidate control over several armed ethnic groups along its borders to ensure next year's national elections, the first in nearly 20 years, go smoothly.

An official with the Public Security Bureau in China's Zhengkang county, which oversees the border area, said on Sunday there had been no reports of fighting since late yesterday. Like many Chinese officials, he refused to give his name.

In the Chinese border town of Meng Peng, several men who said they were rebels told AP they had turned in their weapons to Chinese officials. Dozens of men wearing blue overalls, issued to them when they surrendered their uniforms, were seen in the town shopping for civilian clothes.

 
Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.
Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.
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