China on Monday officially recognized the National Transition Council (NTC) of Libya as the ruling authorities and representative of the Libyan people. "China respects the choice of the Libyan people and attaches great importance to the status and the role of NTC, and has kept in close contact with it," Chinese News Agency ( Xinhua ) quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu as saying in a written statement. The announcement was made as the NTC has controlled most part of the North African nation following a six-month civil war and about 70 countries have recognized the legitimacy of the council. "China will work with the NTC to realize a steady and smooth transition and development of bilateral ties," Ma said, stressing China hopes that all the treaties and agreements inked previously with Libya will remain effective and be implemented seriously. According to the spokesman, the NTC leadership are "delighted with the result that has long been expected." The NTC attaches great importance to China''s status and role, and will strictly abide by all the existing treaties and agreements, firmly adhere to the one-China policy, Ma said, citing a representative of the NTC leadership.