BEIJING - China will send a mission to observe the upcoming referendum in Sudan at the invitation of both the northern and southern parts of the African state, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said here Tuesday.

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"China hopes the referendum will be held in an atmosphere of justice, freedom, transparency and peace," the spokesman Hong Lei told a regular briefing, urging all sides involved to strive for peace and stability in the country.

Stipulated by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement inked between north and south Sudan in January 2005, the southern Sudanese are expected to vote on January 9 to decide whether the region should remain united with the north or secede to establish an independent state.

"China will work with the international community and continuously play a positive and constructive role in promoting peace, stability and development in Sudan and this region at large," he said.