BEIJING - China announced on Saturday to recognize the Republic of South Sudan and set up diplomatic ties with the country.

"The Republic of South Sudan is founded on July 9. The government of the People's Republic of China announces to recognize the country, and set up diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level with South Sudan from now on," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei in a written statement.

The Chinese government would like to develop friendly cooperation with South Sudan in various areas on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Hong said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent a message to his South Sudanese counterpart Deng Alor Kuol earlier on Saturday to announce China's recognition of South Sudan.