China congratulates Prince Norodom Sihamoni on his election and will make joint efforts with Cambodiato continuously promote "the bilateral good-neighborly, friendly relationship of cooperation," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said in Beijing on October 15.

Zhang made the remarks when asked to comment on the Cambodia's Throne Council's choice of Norodom Sihamoni as the new king of the country. The council chose Norodom Sihamoni on Thursday as the new king of Cambodia, a week after his father abdicated.

Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message to Norodom Sihamoni to congratulate him, and China believes that Sihamoni's succeeding to the throne is conducive to stability and development of Cambodia, the spokesperson said.