BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China denied the possibility of sending troops to join in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

    "The Chinese government consistently supports efforts of Afghanistan's government and people to maintain stability, promote economic development and realize peaceful reconstruction," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang in a statement here on Monday.

    Qin was responding to media reports that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown suggested China engage in the ISAF in Afghanistan.

    Qin said China's position on the issue of Afghanistan had always been consistent.

    "Except the United Nations' (UN) peace-keeping operations approved by the UN Security Council, China never sends troops abroad. The media reports about China sending troops to participate in the ISAF in Afghanistan are groundless," he said.