Eight people were killed at China-Myanmar border areas on Sunday when fighting broke out between ethnic groups Myanmar's security forces.

Three ethnic armed groups jointly launched surprise attacks early Sunday morning on some military and police outposts stationed in Muse and Kutkai, border towns north of the country. China's embassy says many civilians had crossed the border into China to flee the conflicts and Chinese hospitals are now treating the injuries.

China calls for restraint among all sides involved in the conflicts. The Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang says China hopes armed groups and the Myanmar government will keep up dialogue and consultation, and be committed to the peace process.