China urges Myanmar parties to ensure safety of rescue personnel, supplies

China has urged all parties in Myanmar to ensure the safety of rescue personnel and supplies from China and other countries, and ensure the rescue routes are unobstructed.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the remarks after reports said Myanmar soldiers fired warning shots at a Chinese Red Cross aid convoy.

Chinese rescuers and supplies in Myanmar are safe, Guo said at a regular news conference on Wednesday.

The rescue supplies provided by the Red Cross Society of China for victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar have arrived in Myanmar, and are on their way to the disaster-hit region in Mandalay, he said.

"Saving lives is the top priority," Guo said. "China hopes sincerely that all ethnic groups and factions in Myanmar will work together to overcome the challenge."

He said China will do all it can to provide rescue and support needed by Myanmar.