BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday congratulated South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) on its sixth win in national elections.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks at a news briefing, adding that the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has sent a congratulatory letter to the National Executive Committee of the ANC.

South Africa is a major developing country in Africa with important influence in regional and international affairs, Geng said.

China highly values its ties with South Africa and is willing to work with the new South African government led by the ANC to deepen mutual political trust, strengthen pragmatic cooperation and push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to make bigger headway, Geng said.