China hopes all parties involved in the conflict in South Ossetia and Abkhazia take a constructive attitude and resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said on Monday.
Jiang's comments came just after the first anniversary of the conflict that took place between Russia and Georgia over the two regions.
"China's stance on this issue is clear," said Jiang. "We are aware of the complicated history and reality of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia issues.
"We hope the parties take a constructive attitude and resolve the issues through dialogue and consultation, respect the wishes of local people who want to have peace and stability, and do not take actions to worsen the situation.
"This conforms to the common interests of all the countries in this region," she said.
South Ossetia and Abkhazia broke away from Georgia's rule during a war in the 1990s that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Russia and Georgia fought a five-day war last year, when Georgia tried to retake South Ossetia, which borders Russia. In response, Moscow sent in troops to drive Georgian forces out of the region.
Russia recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states two weeks after the conflict ended.
(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2009)
