BEIJING, Dec. 16 -- China on Monday welcomed the new government of Germany.

"The Chinese side congratulates Germany for the pending formation of a new government," Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing.

Hua also expressed welcome regarding Frank-Walter Steinmeier's appointment to the post of Foreign Minister. He served in that post from 2005-2009 under Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and their coalition partner, the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), unveiled their picks for the new cabinet on Sunday.

Merkel, to be sworn in next week, will serve her third consecutive term as Chancellor.

"The Chinese side is ready to work with the new government of Germany to advance bilateral relations from time to time," Hua said.

She said China-Germany relations are developing well at present as the two sides have continuously enhanced mutual trust and deepened cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and culture. The foreign ministries of the two countries have maintained close communication and cooperation, Hua said.