BEIJING - Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday that China hopes the European Union will use positive measures to combat Europe's sovereign debt problems.

Hong Lei said during a regular press briefing that China has noticed Greece's announcement that a recent European bailout plan will be put to a referendum. He said China hopes the EU will work with the international community to overcome current economic obstacles so as to stabilize international financial markets and restore global economic growth.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said on Tuesday night that a recent European aid deal for Greece will be put to a referendum in early 2012, despite political turmoil that has rocked his administration.

According to media reports, Papandreou expressed his determination to let Greek voters decide whether they want the EU deal to be implemented, as well as decide if they want Greece to exit the eurozone.