Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday extended congratulations to Emmanuel Macron on his victory in France's presidential election.

In a congratulatory letter reported by Xinhua, Xi said France was the first major Western country that established diplomatic relations with China. The China-France relationship, which has developed steadily in recent years, has strategic importance and international influence.

He said China and France bear important responsibilities for world peace and development as the two countries are permanent members of the UN Security Council and wield significant international influence. "Maintaining the steady and healthy development of the China-France relationship benefits not only the two countries and peoples, but also world peace, stability and development," he noted.

China is ready to join hands with France to further strengthen their partnership, Xi added.

China values its friendship with France and has full confidence in the development of bilateral ties, said Geng Shuang, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press conference later on Monday. 

Geng has also emphasized that “with the support of the leaders of both countries and with the joint efforts made by both peoples, the close and sustained China-France comprehensive strategic partnership will be blessed with a better future.”‍

Macron won Sunday's runoff vote, defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen by a big margin. He will be the country's youngest leader since Napoleon.

In March, the centrist candidate shed some light on his China policy, saying he expects good bilateral relations to continue between the two countries. During an interview with Phoenix TV, he said, "Bilateral relations between France and China boast a historical meaning. France has maintained a strategic partnership with China in many fields, especially in energy."

Macron also said China is an important partner for France and Europe in anti-terrorism, countering climate change, and promoting regional and world peace.

‍French presidential candidate Macron says China an important ally‍