As a responsible major country, China has proved to be an active mediator in numerous international and regional conflicts, a promoter of peace and a firm defender of security.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, an ethnic resistance group, affirmed this when it issued a statement on Tuesday declaring an immediate ceasefire and offering to begin peace talks with the Myanmar army under Chinese mediation.

Thanks to China's continuous mediation, the representatives of the Myanmar army and Kokang and two other local armed groups in northern Myanmar successfully held peace talks in Kunming, China's Yunnan province, on Jan 10 and 11, and reached a formal ceasefire agreement.

Given the deep-rooted contradictions between ethnic minorities and the central government, Myanmar has been one of the countries that have suffered the most enduring civil wars in the world since World War II, causing untold sufferings to the Myanmar people. In order to advance the peace process, successive governments in Myanmar have committed themselves to resolving armed conflicts through dialogue and negotiation with ethnic armed organizations.

China is concerned about the Myanmar situation, and has been urging relevant parties there to end fighting and reach a ceasefire, to avoid escalation of the situation and safeguard the areas bordering China.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army's interest in talks with government forces will not only contribute to peace and stability, but also highlight China's constructive role as a major country. Maintaining the momentum of ceasefire and peace talks in northern Myanmar serves the interests of all parties in Myanmar and is of particular significance to peace and stability on the China-Myanmar border.

China has always advocated for resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation and has contributed to regional peace and cooperation by exerting its role in international affairs. It hopes that all parties in Myanmar can earnestly implement the ceasefire agreement, exercise maximum restraint, resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation and push for substantive progress in the peace process in northern Myanmar.

China's fruitful mediation in Myanmar and other places not only demonstrates its diplomatic strength and coordination ability, but also shows how much the international community trusts it on regional matters. At a time when the world is in turmoil, conflicts continue to emerge in various places, and the use of force has failed to resolve fundamental problems, China's approach to resolving disputes through talks and peaceful means appears all the more valuable.