China on Thursday voiced support for Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"China is among the first WTO members to conclude the bilateral negotiations with Russia on market entry. We expect Russia to join the WTO as soon as possible," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a news briefing on Thursday.

Jiang's comments came after the European Union and Russia on Tuesday reached an agreement on backing Russia's entry into the global trade body.

Russia is the last major world power outside the WTO. As the world's largest trading bloc, the EU move would clear a crucial hurdle for Moscow's accession to the 153-member trade body.

"We maintain Russia's entry will increase the WTO's universality and representation and expand the influence of the multi-lateral trade system," Jiang said.

The WTO, established on Jan. 1, 1995, deals with the rules of trade between nations at an international level.