China is "concerned of the latest development in South Ossetia and Abkhazia," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Wednesday.

Qin's comments, in response to a journalist's question, came after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday signed decrees that recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, while Georgia and some other countries opposed it.

"We have a knowledge of the complicated history and reality of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia issues," Qin said. "In accordance with China's consistent and principled stance on issues of this kind, we hope the relevant parties can resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation."

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2008)