BEIJING, July 15 -- China welcomes an agreement reached by two rival presidential candidates on breaking an electoral impasse in Afghanistan, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman here on Tuesday.

"China appreciates the efforts made by all relevant parties on the breakthrough," said Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

Afghanistan was plunged into a political crisis last week after leading presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah rejected the preliminary election results and threatened to declare a parallel government if an audit of all votes was not held because of allegations of fraud.

Abdullah and his rival Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai agreed late on Saturday night to a full audit of the votes cast in the presidential election run-off after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry brokered a deal during his two-day talks in Kabul.

Both candidates are committed to participating and abiding by the result of the comprehensive audit.

Hong said China hopes to see an Afghanistan of unity, stability, development and amiability, and supports the country during its political transition.

China will work with international society to help Afghanistan realize lasting peace and sustainable development at an early date, said the spokesman.