A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday that China will work with Spain to advance bilateral relations following news of the Spanish king's plans to abdicate.

Spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular ministry press briefing when asked to comment on Spanish King Juan Carlos's abdication in favor of his son Prince Felipe.

Noting the sound development of China-Spain relations in recent years, Hong said King Juan Carlos is an old friend of China and commended his efforts in advancing friendly relations between the two nations as well as the friendship between the two peoples.

China is confident that Spain will maintain its prosperity and development under the leadership of the new king and is willing to work with Spain to make more progress in bilateral relations, Hong said.