BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China hoped Myanmar could properly solve its domestic issue to safeguard the regional stability of its bordering area with China, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu Friday.

    Jiang made the remarks when asked to comment on media reports that the confrontation between Myanmar government forces and an ethnic army in the Kokang area of Shan state in northeastern Myanmar has triggered influx of Myanmar border inhabitants into the Chinese territory.

    She said China was paying close attention to the development of this issue and had expressed its concern to Myanmar through the diplomatic channel.

    "We also urge Myanmar to protect the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens in Myanmar," Jiang said.

    A large number of panic-stricken Myanmar border inhabitants have fled to neighboring Yunnan province in southwest China, according to the foreign affairs office of the Yunnan provincial government.

    Yunnan is helping them settle down in seven settlements with supply of life necessities, medical care and disease control measures as humanitarian assistance.