China firmly supports Uzbekistan's moves to crack down on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and maintain domestic and regional stability for peaceful development, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Beijing Tuesday.

China expects to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan in all fields, spokesman Kong Quan said at a regular press conference in response to a question about the recent chaos in the Uzbek city of Andijan, which he said was Uzbekistan's internal affairs.

Thousands of armed protesters plunged the city of Andijan into chaos last Friday, releasing prisoners and clashing with security forces.

"To safeguard stability in Central Asia, priority should be given to cracking down on the 'three evil forces,' which is also the major objective of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," Kong said.

China hopes the domestic situation in Uzbekistan would become peaceful soon with the restoration of normal social order so that the people of the country could resume their normal life, added the spokesman.

Commenting on the coming state visit of Uzbek President Islam Karimov to China, beginning Wednesday, Kong said President Karimov is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and meet with Premier Wen Jiabao.

Leaders of the two countries are expected to discuss concrete ideas and measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, exchange views on regional and international issues, and sign cooperative documents, said Kong.

"China is expecting further progress in relations with Uzbekistan in all fields through this visit," he added.

Source: Xinhua