China congratulates Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a regular news briefing, Lin said that China attaches high importance to developing relations with Zambia and stands ready to work with Zambia's new administration to further deepen the China-Zambia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and deliver greater benefits to the people of both countries.

Hichilema received more than 2.9 million valid votes, or over 50% of the total, meeting the constitutional requirement for an outright victory without a run-off, according to data released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.