Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang voiced respect Tuesday for "the choice of the Iranian people" and called for stability in post-election Iran.

Qin made the remarks at a regular press conference, responding to a question on the situation in Iran, where President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's victory over opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi in last week's election is being contested.

According to media reports, hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets following the announcement of the election results. Mousavi has said he believed the vote was fixed in favor of Ahmadinejad, while the incumbent said the vote was fair.

"China respects the choice of the Iranian people and hopes Iran could maintain stability and solidarity," Qin said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2009)