Myanmar's government has asked China to help prevent "terrorist attacks" from Chinese territory.

Martial law was declared in the Kokang region earlier this week, after clashed between the MNDAA, who are ethnic Han Chinese and the Burmese army, the Tatmadaw.

An official from the office of Myanmar President Thein Sein, intimated attacks came from across the border.

"It is necessary to co-operate…on the understanding that terrorist attacks on Myanmar are not allowed from Chinese territory," Hmuu Zaw said.

China has not commented on the statement, according to Reuters.

Myanmar has a history of oppressing other ethnic groups and the Tatmadaw, the country's military, is accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The MNDAA, one of many armed groups opposing the government, is demanding autonomy for the Kokang, who are ethnically Han Chinese and have more in common with people across the border in the Yunnan province than with the Burmese.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Tuesday called for a ceasefire and urged all sides to exercise restraint.

"We want to use this opportunity to once again call on all sides involved in the clashes in Myanmar to exercise restraint and avoid the situation escalating further to ensure peace and stability of the border, and especially to avoid affecting security on the Chinese side," she told reporters.

In a statement released on its website on Monday the Yunnan government said that since Feb. 9 there had been more than 30,000 trips, both into and out of China, implying multiple border crossings by people depending on how the fighting develops.

Martial law declared in Kokang region of Myanmar (18 February 2015)