Act on Burma call to China

Thousands of soldiers and police have been deployed in Burma's largest cities, keeping even the most die-hard protesters off the streets.

Scores of arrests were made overnight, further demoralising those seeking to end decades of military dictatorship.

The top UN envoy on Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, arrived there on Saturday to try to persuade Burma's leaders to end the violent crackdown on demonstrators that has sparked international outcry.

Many people see China, Burma's biggest trading partner, as the most likely outside catalyst for change.

British campaigners called on China to act instead of merely urging restraint.

Mark Farmoner, acting director of the Burma Campaign UK, said: "We would like to see more. It is welcome that China are doing this but they need practical support.

"If they are concerned about what the regime are doing then why won't they support a UN security council resolution.

"What matters is a resolution from the security council. We have had UN envoys going back and forth to Burma for years with no result.

"What Gambari needs to be able to do is to go to the generals and say if you don't reform then you face these consequences from the UN."