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BEIJING - China hopes to see national stability and social order restored soon in Egypt, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Saturday.

"China has kept a close eye on the situation in Egypt and hopes the latest developments help restore national stability and social order at an early date," said spokesman Ma Zhaoxu in a press release.

"Egypt is one of the countries who share friendly relations with China," Ma said, expressing confidence that relations would continue to develop.

Ma's remarks came after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak decided to step down on Friday afternoon after 18 days of mass protests, ending his 30-year rule.