BEIJING - China hopes Cote d'Ivoire can regain social stability and peace as soon as possible, said a foreign ministry spokesman on Tuesday.

"China has been paying close attention to the development of situation in Cote d'Ivoire," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular news briefing.

Cote d'Ivoire's incumbent Laurent Gbagbo and his wife were detained at his residence in Abidjan, which ended the months-long political deadlock between Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara, who is internationally recognized as the winner of the November 28 presidential run-off last year.

China hoped Cote d'Ivoire could realize national reconciliation and get the country back on the track of peaceful development as soon as possible, said Hong.

China was willing to work with the international community to play a positive role in promoting peace, stability and development in Cote d'Ivoire, he said.