BEIJING, Dec. 19 -- China expressed the hope that the new U.S. ambassador to China will make efforts to enhance trust and cooperation between the two countries.

The incumbent U.S. ambassador Gary Locke is expected to step down next year.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing Thursday that China-U.S. relations maintain a momentum of stable and sound development, and the two sides are making joint efforts to build a new type of major-power relationship.

"No matter who will assume the post of U.S. ambassador to China, we hope that he will make positive efforts to enhance exchanges, mutual trust and cooperation," she said.

According to reports, U.S. President Barack Obama intends to nominate six-term Senator Max Baucus of Montana.