BEIJING - China hopes stability in Pakistan is restored as early as possible, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.

Spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at the ministry's daily press briefing when asked if China regards the drone strike by United States that killed the Pakistani Taliban Chief Hakimullah Mehsud as damaging to Pakistan's sovereignty.

Hong said China has noted the report and believes that Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. Operations in Pakistan should follow the charter of the United Nations and the international law of armed conflict, he added.

"We sincerely hope Pakistan restores stability and achieves development as early as possible," Hong said, adding that China supports Pakistan in implementing an antiterror strategy according to its own national conditions.