China on Thursday called for more dialogue and cooperation between India and Pakistan in a bid to jointly safeguard peace and stability in South Asia.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao made the remarks in response to a question concerning last week's terrorist attack in Mumbai, India's financial center.

China firmly opposed terrorism, Liu told reporters here. He said that it accorded with the fundamental interest of India and Pakistan to strengthen dialogue and bilateral cooperation.

"It is also in line with the requirements for regional peace and stability and the common expectation of the international community," Liu added.

Last week's attacks at 10 sites across Mumbai killed at least 171 people, including 26 foreigners, Indian officials said Wednesday. The death toll was lowered from 172 after authorities realized they had counted a victim twice, a government spokesman said.

India has blamed Pakistan-based elements for the attacks and urged Pakistan to take action. India also submitted a list of 20 wanted men and criminals believed to be in Pakistan, asking for them to be handed over.

Pakistan said it would examine India's list, and it also offered to set up a joint investigation into the attacks.

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2008)