FM confirms 155 Chinese citizens in detention for illegal logging in Myanmar   

中方证实155名中国公民因非法伐木被缅方抓扣

China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying addresses a regular press conference on Jan 21, 2014. (Photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

(ECNS) -- China's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that a total of 155 Chinese citizens were in detention by the Myanmar side.

China remains in close contact with the Myanmar side on properly handling the detention of Chinese illegal loggers, said the spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a regular press conference.

On January 19 and 20, a joint working group sent by Chinese embassy and consulates in Myanmar had direct contact with competent authorities in Myanmar, and visited the Chinese detainees.

The working group met with each one of them, and confirmed that they are all in sound physical and mental state, and no one has sustained any injury or illness.

[Read more: No Chinese stranded in northern Myanmar conflicts: spokeswoman]

The Chinese urges the Myanmar side to accord humanitarian treatment to the detainees, and guarantee their legitimate rights and interests. 

The Myanmar side said that they will improve the diet of those Chinese personnel, and agreed that the Chinese working group can provide them with living supplies. They also expressed that they will expedite investigation and trial, and ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the relevant Chinese citizens. China will keep in touch with Myanmar on this.

"China and Myanmar are close neighbors enjoying traditional friendship," Hua said. "Our peoples are bonded by a profound "paukphaw" friendship. We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar, support its efforts to realize domestic peace and national reconciliation, and sincerely wish that a nationwide ceasefire can be reached at an early date through peace talks carried out by relevant parties in Myanmar so as to create favorable conditions for its national development."

"In accordance with their will, China has conducted some coordination work, which has been acknowledged by relevant parties in Myanmar. China will continue to play a constructive role in Myanmar's domestic peace process, and work with Myanmar to safeguard peace and stability of China-Myanmar border areas," Hua added.

As to the media reports on the trapping of Chinese citizens in north Myanmar, relevant departments of both sides are making further investigation, the spokeswoman said. "Based on the initial feedback from the Myanmar side, no Chinese citizens were found trapped so far because of the conflict. If any Chinese citizen was found trapped upon further investigation, we will immediately come to their assistance and help them out. We hope the media can respect facts and report with objectivity."