BEIJING - China appreciates the warm and considerate support of other countries in the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Libya, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said Thursday.

Ma said at a regular press briefing in Beijing that China was cooperating with other countries to evacuate its nationals in Libya.

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He said the support of other countries fully reflected the spirit of international cooperation.

"The Chinese people also have a tradition of lending assistance to other countries in times of need," Ma said.

Ma said China was closely following developments in Libya. He expressed the strong wish that Libya restore social stability and order as soon as possible, and earnestly guarantee the safety of foreign nationals and institutions.

China had made clear its stance at a closed door meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, calling for early resumption of social stability in Libya and urging Libya to earnestly guarantee the safety and lawful rights of foreign nationals. China also called for all parties to facilitate the evacuation of Chinese nationals.

Ma said China's stance had been included in the statement released by the chairman of the Security Council after the meeting.

According to Ma, more than 4,600 Chinese had so far been evacuated from Libya.