China congratulates French president-elect

China congratulates Francois Hollande over his French election victory, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

Hong made the remarks in response to a media request to comment on the initial results published by the French interior ministry showing Hollande won 51.5 percent of the votes in the French presidential election.

Hong said maintaining healthy, stable and positive development of the China-France relationship is in the interest of the two countries and the two peoples, and will also benefit world peace, stability and development.

"China regards the two countries' relationship with a long-term strategic view and is willing to work with France to further develop the their comprehensive strategic partnership under the principle of mutual respect, equality and caring about each other's core interests," he said.