BEIJING - China said Thursday it supported Egypt's efforts to maintain social stability and restore normal order, expecting ties between China and the Arab country to develop unaffected.

"China holds that Egypt's affairs should be decided independently by the country without foreign interference," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu told a regular press briefing.

As a major country in the Arab world and in Africa, Egypt's stability concerns peace and stability in the whole region, Ma said, noting China is closely watching the situation in Egypt.

"We believe Egypt has the wisdom and capacity to find proper solutions and get through the current tough time," he said.

Ma said China values the traditional friendship and strategic cooperative ties with Egypt, expecting bilateral relations to continue to develop in a sound and steady manner.

He also stressed that China is doing its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and organizations there.

China had arranged eight flights to fly back more than 1,800 Chinese citizens, including about 360 from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, from January 31 to February 3, according to Ma.