BEIJING - China on Monday officially recognized the National Transition Council (NTC) of Libya as the ruling authority and representative of the Libyan people.

"China respects the choice of the Libyan people and attaches great importance to the status and the role of NTC, and has kept in close contact with it," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a written statement.

China will work with the NTC to realize a steady and smooth transition and development of bilateral ties, he said.

China hopes that all the treaties and agreements inked previously with Libya could remain effective and be implemented seriously, Ma said.