BEIJING -- A foreign ministry spokesman said that China will step up its anti-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan in an effort to maintain regional peace and stability.

"China and Pakistan have forged excellent cooperation in anti-terrorism," spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a press release issued on Wednesday, vowing that China will continue to boost cooperation with Pakistan and jointly crack down the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Ma also praised the achievements that Pakistan has made in anti-terrorism thus far, saying that the country is an important frontline in the international fight against terrorism and has made outstanding contributions in the area.