CRI听力:Hundreds of Chinese Trapped in N. Myanmar

The Chinese embassy in Myanmar says it is working on verifying news about Chinese citizens being trapped in the conflict zone in northern Myanmar.

This comes as media reports suggest of clashes between Myanmar government forces and the ethnic Kachin Independence Army, and that hundreds of Chinese nationals are trapped in the area.

Qiu Yongzheng, a reporter with the Beijing-based Global Times, says Chinese loggers, businessmen, and miners are among the citizens affected.

"Some Chinese citizens crossed the border illegally. So if they want to exit Myanmar from another inland area, they will have to admit to illegally entering Myanmar."

The clash broke out on Thursday after the KIA ambushed a convoy of the Kachin state Transport Minister on a highway.

The minister was freed after questioning but three police officers who escorted the minister were abducted.

Local media reports that heavy weapons have been used by government forces in attacking the KIA.

Qiu Yongzheng says it may be safer for the Chinese citizens to stay where they are.

"You are likely to go through the battle zone if you want to leave the country from the KIA controlled area. At the moment, both sides are engaged in intense fighting. It would be safer to stay with local residents in the villages or churches or temples."

The Chinese embassy notes that it has so far received no request for help from Chinese nationals in Myanmar.