BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- China on Thursday expressed its concern over Mongolia's political changes, saying that it hoped the country would maintain political stability.

    "Mongolia is China's friendly neighbor. Domestic changes there, especially political changes, certainly draw concern from China," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said at a regular press briefing.

    "The issues are, in the first place, Mongolia's internal affairs," Kong said, adding that China hopes China-Mongolia cooperation will move forward in a healthy and steady way.

    Mongolia's biggest political party on Wednesday announced it had quit the coalition government. In a statement, the Mongolian People's Revolution Party (MPRP) said it made the decision following internal conflicts in the coalition.

    The MPRP said the internal conflicts had weakened the ability of the government to run the country.

    The MPRP, which has 38 of the 76 seats in the Grand Hural, Mongolia's parliament, said it hoped to form its own government with other parties.

    The MPRP also demanded Prime Minister Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj's resignation.   Enditem