A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday that China hopes Zimbabwe's relevant parties to properly handle the internal affairs.

China closely follows the developments of the situation in Zimbabwe,said Geng Shuang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a press briefing when asked to comment on the instability in Zimbabwe.

Geng said that maintaining peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe conforms to the fundamental interests of Zimbabwe and its neighboring regions, and is also the common aspiration of the international community.

Geng also said the visit by commander of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces to China last week was a normal military exchange.

Reports on Wednesday said that the Zimbabwean military appeared to have taken control of state institutions.

Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party on Tuesday condemned the "treasonous" statement by Zimbabwe Defense Forces chief Constantino Chiwenga, who threatened military intervention in the party's factional fights.

Chiwenga's statement came after President Robert Mugabe fired deputy president Emmerson Mnangagwa, on allegations of disloyalty and deceit.