Chinese President Hu Jintao congratulated on January 10 Mahmud Abbas on his victory in the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) chairmanship election.

In a message to Abbas, Hu expressed his confidence that under Abbas' leadership the Palestinian people will be more united and make new headway in their cause of regaining legitimate national rights.

The Chinese government and people will continue to support the cause of the Palestinian people and play a constructive role in promoting a speedy and just settlement of the Palestinian problem, pledged Hu.

On Monday, Abbas was formally declared the winner of the PNA election capturing 62.3 percent of the vote in Sunday's poll.