China said Tuesday it hoped its traditional ally Pakistan would maintain political stability and economic development following Pervez Musharraf's resignation as president.
"As a friendly neighbour, China sincerely hopes Pakistan will maintain its political stability and economic progress," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement posted on the ministry's website.
Qin praised Musharraf for playing an important role in developing ties with China, adding China believed cooperation between the two countries would continue.
China has long maintained close links with Pakistan, considered by Beijing to be an important counterweight against India, Asia's other giant.
Musharraf, the former army chief who seized power in a coup in 1999, announced Monday in a televised address that he would stand down in the face of looming impeachment charges.
