Beijing: China, Pakistan's closest ally, on October 8 offered muted response to Islamabad's second successive ballistic missile test by merely hoping that South Asia could maintain peace and stability.

"We have noted the relevant reports. We hope that South Asia can maintain peace and stability," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said when asked to comment on Pakistan's missile tests.

Regarding the upcoming elections in Pakistan, Zhang said that it was a 'domestic issue' of Pakistan but hoped that the October 10 elections will pass smoothly.

"The forthcoming elections in Pakistan is a domestic issue. As a friendly neighbour of Pakistan, it is our hope and belief that the elections will go smoothly," she said.

Commenting on the situation in Nepal following the dismissal of the government by the king, Zhang said that China has taken note of the developments in the Himalayan kingdom.

"We believe it is a domestic issue of Nepal. We believe that Nepal can keep its peace, stability as well as economic development. This is in the fundamental interest of the Nepalese people and the state of Nepal," she added.

PTI