"It seems that people are sending a very clear message to the regime there that they need to begin a process of genuine dialogue and above all refrain from any use of force," U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill told reporters in Beijing. "Use of force will solve nothing."

Hill's comments came as security forces in Myanmar, also called Burma, raided several Buddhist monasteries, beating up and hauling away more than 100 monks after a day of violent confrontations with monk-led protesters.

Security forces in the poor Southeast Asian nation fired Wednesday at protesters for the first time since the demonstrations began about a month ago. The protests were sparked by anger over fuel prices but have snowballed into the biggest rallies against Myanmar's military rulers since 1988. At least one man was killed and others wounded in chaotic clashes in Yangon.

The protesters have demanded more democratic freedoms, the release of political activists and economic reforms.

"We all need to agree on the fact that the Burmese government has got to stop thinking that this can be solved by police and military, and start thinking about the need for genuine reconciliation with the broad spectrum of political activists in the country," Hill said.

Hill was expected to discuss the violence in Myanmar with Chinese officials on the sidelines of North Korean nuclear disarmament this week in Beijing.

He declined to say whether Washington would request specific measures from Beijing, Myanmar's chief economic and political supporter.

"I think it's something that all countries need to be concerned about especially to use the influence that countries have to prevent the Burmese authorities from cracking down on these peaceful protests," Hill said.

China has come under increasing pressure to use its influence to urge Myanmar's ruling junta to show restraint.

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