BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday congratulated Nepal on the conclusion of its general election, expressing hope that the South Asian country can form a new government smoothly.

"China respects the choice of the Nepali people," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang at a daily press briefing.

"We hope that all parties of Nepal can continue to unite and cooperate so as to smoothly push forward the formation of a new government and realize political stability and economic development," he said.

According to reports, Nepal's Election Commission has confirmed recently that the alliance of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) has won a majority in the House of Representatives, or the lower House.

The alliance has also won a majority in the National Assembly election, known as the Upper House of the Federal Parliament, according to reports.