Myanmar said Friday that air strikes targeting ethnic minority rebels in the northern state of Kachin were in self-defense, vowing maximum restraint in the face of growing international concern.

Fighting between the military, known as the Tatmadaw, and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in the far north of the country has worsened in recent days.

In a statement, Myanmar's government accused the rebels of blowing up railway tracks, roads and bridges, ambushing military columns and threatening local people.

"Due to these circumstances, the Tatmadaw had to take military action in self-defense and to protect the safety of lives and properties of the people, safe and smooth transportation and peace and tranquility of the region," the statement said.

On Sunday evening, three bombs landed on Chinese territory during air attacks against the KIA but caused no casualties.

"China has made representations to the Myanmar side, requiring them to take effective and immediate measures to avoid the repetition of similar incidents," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Friday.

Friday was the 65th anniversary of Myanmar's Independence Day. Myanmar gained independence from the British on January 4, 1948.

Myanmar's President U Thein Sein said, "Only when the country sees peace and stability can a modern, developed country be built."