BEIJING -- A foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday that China opposes politicizing sports events and advocates protecting the legitimate rights of innocent athletes from all countries.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the comments when asked to comment on Russia's being banned for four years from participating in major international sports events by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Monday.

"The Chinese government has always attached great importance to anti-doping and maintains a zero-tolerance attitude toward offenders. However, we also oppose politicizing sports events and advocate protecting the legitimate rights of innocent athletes from all countries, so as to maintain the fairness, equity and purity of international sports events," Hua said at a daily press briefing.

Hailing Russia as an important member of the international Olympic community, Hua said there are numerous outstanding athletes who are passionate about the Olympic cause in Russia and they have made many important contributions.