ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – China has welcomed the shift in Pakistan, terming it as a “successful election”. A spokesman of the foreign ministry of China reiterated the fact that the relationship between the two countries will not be affected by the changing governments and said that China hopes to continue to foster relations with Pakistan.

China on Thursday said it was ready to work with the new government in Pakistan as unofficial projections showed Imran Khan s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party enjoying a clear lead.

“We will strengthen and improve our relations with China. We want to work towards success of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). We also want to send teams to learn poverty alleviation from China,” the star cricketer-turned-politician said.

Beijing welcomed the development and congratulated Islamabad on holding “successful election”. A foreign ministry spokesman said result of the election would not have an impact on the ties between the two countries.

“The China-Pakistan friendship receives heartfelt support and acclamation of the two peoples. Whatever the result of the election is, it won t affect the development of China-Pakistan relations.”