China supports Brazil's Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Luiz Felipe Seixas Correa to run for the post of WTO's director-general, Chong Quan, China's Commerce Ministry spokesman, said Wednesday.

It is the first time that China expresses its support to a candidate for WTO director-general.

Chong said China has informed the decision to Brazil when Commerce Minister Bo Xilai met with visiting Brazilian Vice Foreign Minister Clodovaldo Hugueney Monday in Beijing.

On May 31, the WTO General Council will choose by consensus a successor to replace Thailand's Supachai Panitchpakdi, whose term expires on Aug. 31.