Burma's rigid military regime appeared to be bending to world pressure on Thursday, as pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi met briefly with a government official.

The rare meeting lasted about one hour, and signified at least some recognition from the southeast Asian country that it may be time to appease international leaders, who are upset with Burma's violent September crackdown against peaceful, anti-government demonstrations.

State media reported Thursday said that a car took Suu Kyi, a Nobel peace laureate, a few minutes from her home to a nearby government guest house to meet with retired major-general Aung Kyi, appointed liaison minister earlier this month.

Images on state television showed Suu Kyi and Aung Kyi seated in high-backed chairs having a discussion, a scene that suggested two dignitaries in a meeting rather than someone under house arrest.

It was not clear whether it was the first sit-down between the two.

Aung Kyi's "minister of relations" post was reportedly created so that he could act as a mediator with the democratic icon, who was first detained in 1989 for her political views and then ordered under house arrest.

The military junta ruling Burma, also known as Myanmar, has taken strong criticism after it confirmed at least 10 people had been killed during last month's military efforts to quash monk-led political marches.

China denounces violence

Activist groups said the death toll was much higher and that thousands were arrested and many others beaten, though the claims were difficult to confirm as a result of Burma's tight control over information flow.

Meanwhile on Thursday, the UN's special envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, continued urging Chinese officials to step up pressure on their side to show their displeasure with Burma.

China has joined in the chorus of condemnation against the Burmese military's brutal response to protests.

"We will continue to support you in playing a constructive role in finding a peaceful resolution in Myanmar," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Gambari on Thursday.

Still, China objects to the UN Security Council wishing to impose sanctions against Burma. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China has veto power and has successfully blocked action against Burma before.

Burma and China are political allies and China, being one of Burma's largest trade partners, has commercial interests tied to the country.

With files from the Associated Press