BEIJING - A Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday that China supports Bahrain's efforts to maintain its national stability and development.

"(China) hopes that various parties in Bahrain achieve long-term peace and stability for the country at an early date by means such as dialogue," spokesman Hong Lei told a routine press conference.

Bahrain's King on Wednesday announced setting up of an independent fact finding commission to probe the reasons behind the unrest.

Bahrain announced a three-month State of National Safety in March following a wave of anti-government protests.

Four policemen and over 20 people were killed in the unrest that negatively impacted on the country's economy and resulted in cancellation of the 2011 Formula one races.