China said on Wednesday that it was pleased that elections in the long-time ally, Pakistan, went calmly, and urged the nation to maintain political stability. "China is happy about the smooth completion of Pakistan's elections," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in a statement posted on his ministry's website.
"Pakistan is China's friendly neighbour, and we hope Pakistan will continue to maintain stability, development, democracy and harmony after the establishment of the new government."
The statement was issued as Pakistan's hitherto opposition parties mulled the formation of a coalition government after storming to victory in elections. Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari, both, said they wanted to work with other opposition groups after Monday's vote.