BEIJING: China began military exercises along its border with Myanmar on Saturday and urged its citizens to leave that country's northeast, which has been beset by fighting since last month. The groups have seized dozens of military positions and a town that is important for trade with China. Beijing informed Myanmar's military government about the exercises, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said Saturday, adding that the armed forces would "cooperate with China to work for peace and border stability." A significant proportion of Myanmar's trade with China transits through this region. China on Friday for its citizens to leave northern Myanmar "as soon as possible" and to stay away from the fighting.
