China on Thursday expressed its support for the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council, but hoped the new body could avoid following the old road of political confrontation.

China hopes that the Human Rights Council could abide by relevant principles and avoid taking the old road of political confrontation, which has become a chronic disease of the Commission on Human Rights, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang in a regular press conference.

"China will work closely with parties concerned and actively participate in the work of the council to promote the development of international human rights in a healthy way," Qin said.

The UN resolution to form the Council was adopted Wednesday by member states with 170 in favor, four against and three abstentions. The United States, Israel, Marshall Islands and Palau voted against it, and Iran, Belarus and Venezuela abstained.

Source: Xinhua