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

People?from Libyan opposition group celebrated its victory on September 10, 2011.

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

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

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