China respects the results of south Sudan referendum, which was announced Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Tuesday.

Hong made the remarks in a statement concerning China's view on the results of the referendum.

"China respects the choice of Sudan people and appreciates the unremitting efforts of both the north and the south to promote the peace process between the two sides," Hong said.

"China hopes the two sides will continue to resolve controversial issues through dialogue and consultation in line with the principle of mutual understanding and mutual accommodation," Hong said. "China expects full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) as well as long peace and stability in Sudan."

The referendum, conducted from January 9 to 15, was a major condition of the CPA, which ended a two-decade civil war between the two sides.

The South Sudan Referendum Commission Monday announced the final results of the referendum saying that 98.83 percent of the voters had voted for separation.

(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2011)