CHINA AND LIBYA HAVE TURNED THE PAGE TO a new chapter in their friendly relations, as Beijing officially recognized the National Transition Council (NTC) as representative of the Libyan people on Monday night.

In Tripoli, the NTC welcomed China's decision. Mohammed Al Alagi, the official in charge of judicial affairs, said the decision "will certainly win a passionate response from the NTC, and this will bring a positive influence to bilateral relations".

China's announcement is based on its adherence to its diplomatic principals. From the onset of the political crisis, China insisted that Libya's national sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected, and that all related parties resolve the conflict by peaceful means. Beijing has also held firmly to the belief that a timely political resolution would stop the bloodshed and any further deterioration of the humanitarian conditions in Libya, and would be in the best interests of its people, as well as the best way to guarantee regional peace and stability.