Myanmar apologizes for bombing: Foreign Ministry

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) holds talks with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Beijing April 2, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Myanmar has accepted responsibility and apologized for bombs dropped on Chinese territory last month that killed five people, China's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

The incident happened during clashes between Myanmar government forces and a rebel group called the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). Thousands of refugees have fled to China as fighting flared on the Myanmar side of the border in the past month or so.

On behalf of the Myanmar government and military, I officially apologize to China and express my deep sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured," said Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin during talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin is paying a visit to China as Myanmar President U Thein Sein's special envoy to discuss the aftermath of the bombing, which killed five villagers and injured eight others on March 13 in a sugar field.

According to U Wunna Maung Lwin, Myanmar recognizes the conclusion of the joint investigation, which said Myanmar warplane bombing caused the death of the Chinese on the border.