China repeated its stance Tuesday on the post-election situation in Iran, saying it respected "the choice of the Iranian people."

"China hopes solidarity and stability in Iran could be maintained," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang at a regular press briefing.

Media reports said that hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's victory over opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi in the elections is contested.

Mousavi has said he believed the vote was fixed in favor of Ahmadinejad, while the incumbent said the vote was fair.

"The election results should be decided by the Iranian people, and the disputes and problems arising from the election should be decided by the Iran itself," Qin said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2009)