The rift between neighbors China and Myanmar intensified as reports of recent shelling attacks made news once again.

Reuters reported May 20 that shells and airstrikes hit the country, injuring five people in the city of Lincang in the southwestern province of Yunnan. The May 14 attack also left four houses and three vehicles damaged.

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In response, China lodged a protest against Myanmar, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei saying that the government is waiting for the results of Myanmar's investigation on the incident.

"China has lodged solemn representations on the injuries caused to Chinese people on the border from the recent shelling by Myanmar," Hong said, according to Reuters.

Hong added that the country has advised its neighbor to take preemptive measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident. China is also waiting for a "responsible explanation," the report said.

The news outlet noted that there were five fatalities from a similar incident last March. China Topix carried a report noting the Myanmar government also claimed that the attack was because of the rebels.

A Xinhua article noted that China requested for a "serious, overall and responsible" investigation of the matter.

Meanwhile, Myanmar Army Chief Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said they believe that the attack was instigated by ethnic Kokang rebels, in hopes that it will further damage the relationship between the two countries, AP reported. 

Hlaing confirmed with China's ambassador to Myanmar in a May 18 meeting that the country's government is in no way responsible or connected to the attack. Reuters also reported that the Myanmar government has extended the martial law it has imposed on the region that is along China's border. It is unclear of the extension stemmed from the recent conflicts.

The United Nations believe that approximately 60,000 Myanmar residents have crossed the border to China because of the unrest between the government and the Kokang rebels.

TagsMyanmar, Myanmar conflict, Shelling, kokang rebels