Myanmar's military junta says it held talks with three armed ethnic minority groups under the mediation of China. This comes despite there being no let-up in fighting between the two sides.

A spokesperson announced the discussions on state media on Monday. He did not mention when or where the talks were held, or what was discussed. He said there will be more dialogue at the end of the month.

The rebel groups have remained silent on the meeting.

China, which shares a border with Myanmar, welcomed the move. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that China is ready to provide ongoing support. She said the de-escalation of the situation conforms to all parties' interests and will help maintain peace and stability along the China-Myanmar border.

The three ethnic groups launched a series of large-scale attacks against the military in late October in the eastern state of Shan. The offensive has seen some of the fiercest hostilities against the military since it seized power in a 2021 coup.

The rebels have been fighting in cooperation with pro-democracy forces, and have taken control of trading towns and military facilities near the border with China. It is unclear if the latest talks will lead to a cessation of violence.