Portuguese PM quits on eve of key summit

LISBON, Portugal - Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates resigned on the eve of a key EU summit on the eurozone debt crisis after parliament rejected his new austerity plan, increasing Lisbon's chances of seeking a bailout.

All five opposition parties voted on Wednesday against his Socialist government's fourth cost-cutting plan in a year aimed at avoiding a multi-billion euro financial bailout like those given to Greece and Ireland.

China commended Socrates' contribution to strengthen bilateral communication and cooperation between the two countries, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular news conference on Thursday. China and Portugal have always maintained a good relationship, and the prime minister attached high importance to ties with China. China will continue to work with Portugal to deepen bilateral relations, Jiang said.