BEIJING — China supports the Russian people's independent choice of a state governance model, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on March 11.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks at a press conference when asked to comment on reports that said the State Duma of Russia passed a bill on constitutional amendments on March 10, allowing the country's incumbent and former presidents to run for the presidency in 2024.

Geng said as Russia's comprehensive strategic partner of coordination for a new era, China sincerely hopes and believes that Russia will maintain social stability and economic development.

China will, as always, respect and support Russia in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions and support the Russian people's independent choice of a state governance model.

He said China will continue to work with Russia to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen the two countries all-round strategic coordination and mutually-beneficial cooperation in various fields to better benefit the two peoples.