Growing unrest in Myanmar are "absolutely not what China wants to see", Beijing's ambassador to the Southeast Asian country said in remarks published Tuesday.

Envoy Chen Hai's comments come as protests escalate in Myanmar and the military steps up efforts to stifle opposition.

"We noticed Myanmar's domestic dispute regarding the election for some time, but we were not informed in advance of the political change," Chen said in comments released on the website of the Chinese embassy in Myanmar.

Traditional allies of Myanmar's armed forces, such as China and Russia, had previously pushed back against international outcry over the situation, calling it interference in the country's "internal affairs".

Chen added that China hoped all parties could handle differences properly, maintaining political and social stability.

Chen said the UN Security Council's recent press statement calling for reconciliation and the immediate release of all those detained "reflects the common position of the international community, including China".

© AFP