US Press secretary Psaki speaks on Myanmar, China and Super Bowl

Press secretary Jen Psaki is expressing concern that China has not been outspoken against what the White House is describing as a coup in Myanmar.

"Certainly we are concerned about China's absence from the conversation," Psaki told reporters Monday.

Myanmar's new military rulers on Monday signaled their intention to crack down on opponents of their takeover, issuing decrees that effectively banned peaceful public protests in the country's two biggest cities.

The restrictive measures were ordered after police fired water cannons at hundreds of protesters in the Myanmar capital, Naypyitaw, who were demanding the military hand power back to elected officials. It was just one of many demonstrations around the country.

Psaki also says the Biden administration is "consulting closely with allies," with regards to China before holding direct talks with President Xi Jinping.

Psaki expressed concern about the pictures of SuperBowl fans not wearing face masks after Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.

The press secretary says the winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers, along with the 2020 NBA champions the Lakers, to the White House, "when it is COVID safe."