China ready to work with Georgia to strengthen bilateral ties: spokesman

China is willing to work with Georgia to strengthen bilateral relations, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.

Georgia on Saturday held its parliamentary elections under a fully proportional system for the first time. Almost 90 percent of voters cast their ballots via electronic devices installed at the polling station.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has won the parliamentary elections, the Central Election Commission said late Saturday.

While, the opposition rejected the election results, claiming that the parliamentary elections have been grossly rigged.

When asked to comment on Georgia's elections at a press conference held in Beijing, Lin said that China always respects the choice of the Georgian people.

"China has noted that Georgia's parliamentary elections were held smoothly. China always respects the choice of the Georgian people and sincerely hopes for stability and prosperity in Georgia. We are willing to work with Georgia to push forward bilateral relations," said Lin.

China expresses deep condolences over the passing of Yohei Kono, former speaker of Japan's lower house who issued an apology over the country's wartime atrocities, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Thursday.

Kono passed away at the age of 89 on June 8, Japanese media reported.

"We express deep condolences over the passing of Mr. Kono and extend sincere sympathies to his family. Mr. Kono was an old friend of the Chinese people. He upheld a correct view of history. In 1993, as Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, he issued an official statement on the comfort women issue, acknowledging the responsibility of the Japanese government and expressing remorse and apology. The statement continues to have a positive impact to this day," said Lin at a regular news briefing in Beijing.