In response to a group of military officers declaring they were "putting an end to the current regime" in the Central African country, China on Wednesday called for "all sides" in Gabon to ensure the safety of President Ali Bongo Ondimba.

According to Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the foreign ministry, "China is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Gabon."

"China is closely following the developing situation in Gabon," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

"We call on all sides in Gabon to proceed from the basic interests of the country and the people, resolve differences through dialogue, (and) restore normal order as soon as possible," he added, urging parties to "guarantee the personal safety of President Bongo, and uphold national peace and stability".

In the oil-rich Central African nation, Bongo has been in power for 14 years. After the passing of his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had controlled the nation for 41 years, he was first elected in 2009.

His meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing in April earned him the title of "an old friend" of the Chinese people.

Xi also hailed Bongo's "significant achievements" in development.

Bongo, in turn, thanked China for its "valuable assistance in promoting Gabon's economic diversification and industrialisation", a readout from state news agency Xinhua said.

Beijing has long aimed to increase its influence in Africa; last year, the former foreign minister Qin Gang made his first overseas trip while serving in that capacity.