BEIJING, Nov. 20 -- China on Sunday called on parties concerned in Myanmar to exercise restraint and halt military operations so as to avoid escalation of the conflicts.

Three ethnic armed groups jointly launched simultaneous and surprise attacks early Sunday morning on some military and police outposts stationed in Muse and Kutkai, border towns in Myanmar's Shan state-north, causing casualties in the military and civilians, local sources said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China attaches great importance to peace and tranquility of the China-Myanmar border area and expresses serious concern over the exchange of fire in Myanmar's border town.

China hopes all parties concerned in Myanmar will adhere to dialogue and consultation and make concrete efforts to safeguard the peace process in Myanmar, he said.

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Heavy clashes occur in northern Myanmar town