China firmly supports Pakistan to maintain its sovereignty, independence and unity, the spokesman of the Chinese mission to the United Nations said?in New York on?Saturday.

"China has all along firmly supported Pakistan's efforts to maintain its sovereignty, independence and unity, to realize stability, develop its economy and improve people's livelihood," Liu Yutong told reporters.

Liu made the remarks when answering a question from the press about China's stance on the formation of "Friends of Pakistan", a group established Friday at a meeting held at the UN headquarters.

China has all along provided assistance within its capability to Pakistan through bilateral channels, the spokesman said.

China also supports the international community's efforts to support Pakistan's development and stability, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2008)