BEIJING, Jan. 9 -- China said Thursday it hopes that parties in Bangladesh can realize political stability through talks and negotiation after its parliamentary election.

Voting took place on Sunday but was plagued by widespread violence and an opposition boycott over Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's refusal to listen to demands to step down and appoint a neutral caretaker to oversee the election.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a Thursday press briefing, "We noted that Bangladesh's parliamentary election had been completed on Jan. 5. As a friendly neighbor of Bangladesh, China is concerned about the country's national situation."

China hopes political forces in Bangladesh can give priority to national long-term and fundamental interests, and hold talks and consultation in efforts to realize political and social stability, as well as economic development.