Myanmar apologizes for bombing: Foreign Ministry

Migrant workers who fled from Karmine wait to receive food at a temporary refugee camp in a monastery in Lashio town in northern Shan State, Myanmar, in this February 21, 2015 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

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.

"Myanamr is willing to keep in touch with China over compensation for the victims and injured and make proper arrangement," he said. "Myanmar will ensure those involved in the incident are accountable for and published in accordance with law, strengthen domestic management to prevent similar incidents from happening."

Wang said both sides have had a clear understanding of the incident and those who should be accountable for after the joint investigation and rounds of talks. He urged Myanmar to take this incident seriously and properly deal with it so as to protect the overall bilateral ties.

Both foreign ministers agreed to work to maintain stability on the border and to develop China-Myanmar comprehensive strategic partnership.

Chinese Air Force has increased patrolling over the border since the incident.

Myanmar government earlier offered 70,000 yuan ($11,222) in compensation to each of the families of those killed in the bombings. 

The MNDAA struck a truce with the government which lasted until 2009, when government troops took over their region in a conflict that pushed tens of thousands of refugees into China's Yunnan province.