BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday said it "resolutely opposed" sanctions against Myanmar as they would not help resolve the country's problems.

    "Any move by the United Nations Security Council should be prudent and responsible and be conducive to the mediation efforts of the UN secretary-general, and conducive to achieving stability, reconciliation, democracy and the development of Myanmar," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.

    He told a regular press conference that China had noticed the situation in Myanmar was returning to calm and attributed it to the common efforts of the international community and all sides.

    He said China hoped the situation would move in a positive direction.

    "China hopes all relevant sides of Myanmar will maintain restraint and achieve reconciliation, democracy and development and improve the living standards of the people by peaceful means," he said.

    He also said China praised the recent visit to Myanmar by Ibrahim Gambari, special adviser on Myanmar of the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, adding China had taken an active part in the discussion in the United Nations on the Myanmar issue.

    Gambari, who just ended a four-day mission to Myanmar, exchanged views with Myanmar leaders on the domestic situation and made widespread contacts with local people.