BEIJING- China on Tuesday welcomed a dialogue between Pakistan and India, hoping the two countries can address differences and achieve mutual development.

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"India and Pakistan, both important countries in South Asia, are China's good neighbors, and the improvement of Pakistan-India ties is conducive to peace and stability in the region," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu at a regular news briefing.

Jiang's remarks came as India and Pakistan prepare for a competition on Wednesday during the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has readily accepted an invitation from his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh, to watch the semi-final match in the northern Indian city of Mohali. Analysts say the contact could help strengthen ties between New Delhi and Islamabad that have deteriorated since the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

"We welcome India and Pakistan to establish contact and a dialogue, and we support the two countries properly addressing differences through dialogue and cooperation to achieve common development," said Jiang.