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BEIJING: China on Saturday said it hoped to see a swift return of stability and public order in Egypt after President Hosni Mubarak stepped down following more than two weeks of mass protests.

"China hopes that the latest development of the situation helps Egypt with the restoration of national stability and public order as soon as possible," spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said.

"China has been closely paying attention to the development and changes of the situation in Egypt.

Egypt is a friendly nation of China, (China) believes that China-Egypt relations can keep healthy and stable," he added.