BEIJING, Jan. 24 -- China on Friday welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the South Sudanese government and opposition forces, calling for an immediate implementation.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a daily news briefing, "China welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between both sides of the conflict and appreciates the unremitting efforts made by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other parties."

China hopes the two sides can immediately implement the agreement and create favorable conditions so solutions can be found to related issues, Qin said.

Under the mediation of the IGAD, the South Sudanese government led by President Salva Kiir and rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar agreed on Thursday to end deadly fighting that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced a million people.

The conflict in South Sudan, the world's youngest country, broke out on Dec. 15 when Kiir's government claimed that soldiers loyal to Machar, who was dismissed last July, staged an attempted coup. Eleven pro-rebel leaders were detained by the government for their alleged role in the coup attempt.

"China has always supported the mediation efforts by the IGAD, and maintained close communication with all parties concerned to promote peace talks," said Qin.

China will continue to coordinate and cooperate with relevant parties including the IGAD to help South Sudan restore stability at an early date, the spokesman added.