China spoke positively of U.S. President Barack Obama's decision on Tuesday to remove Cuba from a list of state sponsors of terrorism.
"We have noticed the report," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a regular press conference on Wednesday, adding China welcomes and supports the two countries' positive engagement and efforts to promote normalization of their relations.
It has been a consistent stance of China that the United States should lift sanctions toward Cuba as early as possible and promote the normalization of ties, Hong said.
It is in the interests of both countries and peoples, as well as the peace, stability and development of the region, he said.
Cuba has been on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1982 and was one of only four countries on the list -- the others are Iran, Syria and Sudan.
In a message to Congress, Obama said the Cuban government "has not provided any support for international terrorism" over the past six months and it has provided assurances that it will not support terrorist acts in the future.
The lawmakers will have 45 days to review Obama's decision before it is formally approved.
