China welcomes smooth ending of Myanmar's general election

China welcomes the smooth ending of Myanmar's general election on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Monday.

"As a friendly neighbor of Myanmar, China supports Myanmar in all political agendas after the election in accordance with law so as to realize national stability and long-term development," said Hong at a daily press briefing.

Sun Guoxiang, special envoy for Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, led a team to observe the general election at the invitation of Myanmar, according to Hong.

"China is ready to continue to provide assistance to election-related activities in line with Myanmar's will," Hong said.

According to incomplete counting of votes reported by local media, the National League for Democracy (NLD) is leading as winner of the election.

The official election result is expected to be released by the Union Election Commission later on Monday.

The 2015 general election is the second held in Myanmar after the previous military government handed over the state power to a civilian government in 2011 through the first election in 2010.

The general election, which is held every five years, is to produce elected representatives to the next term of the parliament which will further elect the president and two vice presidents and form a new term of civilian government. Endi