China has called for talks with Burma over Burma's decision to suspend construction of a $3.6 billion hydroelectric dam that many citizens object to.

The Chinese government made the call Saturday, a day after Burmese President Thein Sein announced construction would be stopped in a note read to Parliament. He said the Chinese-backed project would be shelved during the term of his government.

The announcement was a rare gesture to environmentalists and political opponents.

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said the Myitsone dam in Kachin state would force the relocation of thousands of villagers and threaten the ecology of the Irrawaddy River.

The dam was Burma's largest hydroelectric project.