BANGKOK — China hosted peace talks between the Myanmar government and ethnic Kachin rebels Monday, as outside pressure grew on both sides to end the intense fighting of recent weeks.

BANGKOK — The battle of wills between the Thai government and tens of thousands of protesters barricaded in the streets of Bangkok appeared to turn in favor of the protesters on Monday, when the country’s army chief shunned a military solution to the crisis and the prime minister’s party suddenly and unexpectedly faced the prospect of dissolution.