BEIJING, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang on Thursday refuted calls to connect the Darfur issue with the 2008 Olympic Games.

 "We don't think it's appropriate to connect the Darfur issue with the Olympic Games in Beijing," Qin said in response to an editorial published in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday calling for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics over China's support of Sudanese government.

"People who try to connect the Darfur issue with the Olympics in an attempt to win ballots or increase their reputation are totally wrong on that scheme," he said.

China hopes the Darfur region can realize peace and stability. On this issue, China shares the same goal as the international community and is making unremitting efforts to this end, Qin said.

He said China hopes efforts by the international community could improve the humanitarian situation in Darfur so as to realize a lasting peace and stability of the region.

 "We are confident we will hold a successful and high-quality Olympic Games," the spokesman added.