BEIJING - President Hu Jintao sent a congratulatory message to President Salva Kiir Mayardit Saturday on the official founding of the Republic of South Sudan and his inauguration as the first president of the country.

In his message, Hu sincerely wished the newly-founded country success on its path of national construction and development.

The founding of South Sudan is the common aspiration of the South Sudanese people and their own decision, Hu said, voicing hope that the new nation will become a positive force in safeguarding peace and stability and promoting common development.

South Sudan voted to secede from the north in a referendum in January, and the Republic of South Sudan was founded Saturday.

After friendly consultations, the south and the north reached agreements on the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the referendum results, opening up a new chapter in south-north relations, Hu said.

Though far apart, the peoples of China and South Sudan enjoy a deep traditional friendship and have the common aspiration to strengthen friendly exchanges, Hu said.

China respects the political system and development path the South Sudanese have chosen, he said. China also stands ready to establish and develop friendly and cooperative relations with the new nation based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence, the Chinese president said.

China announced on Saturday to recognize the Republic of South Sudan and set up diplomatic ties with the country.

"The Republic of South Sudan is founded on July 9. The government of the People's Republic of China announces to recognize the country, and set up diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level with South Sudan from now on," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei in a written statement.

The Chinese government would like to develop friendly cooperation with South Sudan in various areas on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Hong said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent a message to his South Sudanese counterpart Deng Alor Kuol earlier on Saturday to announce China's recognition of South Sudan.