China and Libya have turned the page to a new chapter in their friendly relations, as Beijing officially recognized the National Transition Council (NTC) as representative of the Libyan people on Monday night.

In Tripoli, the NTC welcomed China's decision. Mohammed Al Alagi, the official in charge of judicial affairs, said the decision "will certainly win a passionate response from the NTC, and this will bring a positive influence to bilateral relations".

China's announcement is based on its adherence to its diplomatic principals. From the onset of the political crisis, China insisted that Libya's national sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected, and that all related parties resolve the conflict by peaceful means. Beijing has also held firmly to the belief that a timely political resolution would stop the bloodshed and any further deterioration of the humanitarian conditions in Libya, and would be in the best interests of its people, as well as the best way to guarantee regional peace and stability.

To this end, Beijing established a diplomatic presence in Benghazi and recognized the NTC as a "major political force" and an "important dialogue partner" during NTC chairman Mahmoud Jibril's visit to China.

The turning point for Libya came when the opposition forces marched into Tripoli late last month, which marked the end of the 42-year Muammar Gadhafi regime. As the NTC has taken control of most of Libya, Gadhafi has clearly lost the political support of the people and legitimacy for his rule.

China respects the choice of the Libyan people.

The NTC said on Sunday night that it would set up a new government within 10 days and announced a timetable for a new constitution and elections over a 20-month period.

Meanwhile, the NTC leadership has pledged that it will strictly abide by all the existing treaties and agreements with China and firmly adhere to the one-China policy, paving the way for full recognition from Beijing for the interim government in Libya.

Currently, more than 80 United Nations members, including all five permanent members of its Security Council, have recognized the NTC and it is the international community's consensus that the UN should play a leading role in the post-war reconstruction of Libya.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China's recognition of Libya will aid Libyan representation in the UN, as well as safeguard its independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

It is China's hope that the NTC restores social order in Libya as soon as possible and forms an inclusive government based on national reconciliation that can be fully recognized by the international community.

China has pledged to play a constructive role in the rebuilding of the country and will cement its friendly relationship with the Libya people.