Update: China urges all parties in Myanmar to ensure safety of relief workers, supplies

BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- China strongly urges all parties in Myanmar to ensure the safety of earthquake relief workers and supplies from China and other countries, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

According to reports, soldiers in Myanmar opened fire on a convoy of vehicles carrying relief supplies provided by the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC).

In response to a query at a daily press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that relief supplies provided by the RCSC had arrived in Myanmar. The rescue team and relief supplies are currently safe.

Guo pointed out that China, as the neighbor of Myanmar, had launched an emergency response, featuring an all-out search-and-rescue operation, immediately after Myanmar was hit by a 7.9-magnitude quake on March 28.

"China sincerely hopes that all ethnic groups and factions in Myanmar can work as one to overcome difficulties together. We strongly urge all parties in Myanmar to ensure the safety and security of rescuers and supplies from China and other countries, and keep logistics corridors fully accessible," Guo said.

The spokesperson noted that China stands ready to do everything it can to provide relief and support to affected regions, given the needs of Myanmar at this time. ■