BEIJING - China hopes stability in Tunisia is restored as early as possible, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Saturday.

Hong made the remarks when responding to a question concerning recent unrest and upheaval in the North African nation.

"Tunisia is China's friend. China is concerned with what is happening in Tunisia and hopes stability in the country is restored as early as possible," said Hong, adding that a stable society is in the fundamental interests of the country's people.

Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled his country on Friday after 23 years in power, the plane he fled in landing in the Saudi city of Jeddah early Saturday.

The president's departure followed massive demonstrations demanding he step down.

The nationwide protests were ignited by the suicide of Mohammed Bouazizi, a street vendor in the southern city of Sidi Bouzid, who set himself on fire after police confiscated his fruit cart.

Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi announced on television Friday he had taken over the interim government and called on all Tunisians to demonstrate "patriotism and unity."