China urges Thailand stability after House dissolution

BEIJING - China hopes Thailand can restore stability at an early date, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Monday, following the Thai government's response to protests sweeping Bangkok.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The government will remain functional as a caretaker until the next general election.

Speaking at a daily media briefing, Hong said, "China has been watching the situation in Thailand closely. We hope all parties can proceed on the basis of national interests and people's wellbeing to properly handle the current issues."

A general election is expected to be held within 60 days, or before February 2, 2014, as stipulated by the constitution, local media quoted Election Commission member Sodsri Sattayatham as saying.

Anti-government protesters, rejecting the House dissolution, demanded Yingluck step down and hand power to a "people's council."