China will continue to advance peace talks, as well as offer support and assistance during the peace process in northern Myanmar, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.
He made the statement at a press briefing in Beijing to comment on the recent situation in northern Myanmar.
"China and Myanmar are traditional friendly neighbors. Maintaining peace and stability in northern Myanmar is in the common interests of both countries and their people. China respects Myanmar's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and actively assists it in prompting the peace process in its northern part in accordance with the will and demands of all relevant parties in the country," Guo noted.
"To implement the consensus reached during the Kunming peace talks between the Myanmar government and Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), China, at the joint invitation of both parties, recently dispatched a ceasefire supervision team to Myanmar's Lashio. It supervised the ceasefire between the Myanmar military and MNDAA, and witnessed the smooth handover of the Lashio's urban area," he said.
"The two parties involved highly appreciate and thank China for its constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in northern Myanmar. Going forward, China will continue to push forward the Kunming peace talks, do a good job in advancing peace talks and ending the war in northern Myanmar, and collaborate with all relevant parties in the country to jointly uphold peace and stability along China-Myanmar border," Guo continued.
China to continue providing help for peace process in northern Myanmar: spokesman
Cuba held rallies and marches in all provinces on Thursday to celebrate the May Day International Workers' Day, with workers unions, citizens, and global visitors gathered at Havana's Revolution Square for a grand parade.
The May Day parades have been an annual tradition in the country since the victory of the 1959 revolution. For this year, the parades called for solidarity amid global economic turbulence and higher U.S. sanctions.
Started in the early morning, enthusiastic marchers and union workers grouped in blocs representing different unions, holding banners with all kinds of slogans to show support for the government and celebrate the national event.
The parade was presided over by top Cuban government and Communist Party leaders including former President Raul Castro, current President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and Premier Manuel Marrero.
In his remarks at the rally, Cuban Workers' Confederation leader Ulises Guilarte said that this year's celebration took place amid a complex world scenario, marked by the rise of a new and dangerous imperialist offensive. However, Cuban people will keep struggling for a better future, noted Guilarte.
The island country has long been coping with an economic crisis marked by high inflation, shortages, and U.S. sanctions, but the crowds showed their support for the government with the enthusiastic march.
"The revolution remains alive, our revolution will keep advancing; and despite the difficulties we are facing, we are still living a happy life, and we are eager to reach new and nice achievements for our nation," said Lucia Rodriguez, a local demonstrator.
More than 1,000 social activists from around the world also joined the celebration at the Revolution Square, demonstrating against the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba.
"I can imagine, due to the blockade, that Cuba needs to have strong relationships of solidarity, so I'm so happy I can be here, and be part of those relationships," said a Canadian activist during the event.
Cuba holds rallies, parades to celebrate International Workers' Day
