China calls for lifting of sanctions against Myanmar

China on Thursday called on all relevant parties to comprehensively lift sanctions against Myanmar as soon as possible.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the successful holding of parliamentary by-elections in Myanmar on April 1.

The elections were the first to be held since the current civilian government took office in March 2011, and were generally affirmed by the nation and the international community, said Hong.

China hopes that the by-elections will advance the process of domestic political reconciliation as well as national stability and development in Myanmar, he noted.

"China's position on relevant issues is consistent," said Hong when responding to whether the international community should ease sanctions against Myanmar.

"We have taken note of that the United States and the European Union are considering to partly ease their sanctions on Myanmar, and we welcome that," he said.

Myanmar held its historic parliamentary by-elections on Sunday, in which 157 candidates from 17 political parties competed for 45 open parliamentary seats.