CRI听力:PLA Starts Drills near Myanmar Border

China's armed forces have started an air-ground live-fire drill in Yunnan Province, close to the border with Myanmar.

Military officials say Chinese authorities have informed Myanmar of the drill, and that an end date will be announced later.

China's Foreign Ministry says that the drill is scheduled in accordance with the military's regular training plans.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying also urged combatants in Myanmar to alleviate tensions in the country's north and to protect peace and stability in the area along the Chinese border.

"Situations in north Myanmar affect the peace and stability in the China-Myanmar border area. China urges the relevant parties in Myanmar to show restraint, prevent escalation of the conflict, and alleviate tensions to avoid damage to the security and order of the China-Myanmar border area. We hope Myanmar will make joint efforts with China to protect peace and stability in the border area, and to promote healthy and stable development of bilateral ties."

Conflicts in northern Myanmar have lasted more than three months and bombs from Myanmar have fallen into Chinese territory several times.

Eight Chinese have died in those bombings.