China recognises authority of Libya's interim leaders

AFP - China on Monday formally recognised the National Transitional Council (NTC) as Libya's government after the downfall of Moamer Kadhafi, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

China earlier this month acknowledged the former rebels as "significant" but had remained the only member of the United Nations Security Council not to give formal recognition after Tripoli fell to anti-Kadhafi forces three weeks ago.

Beijing "officially recognised the... NTC of Libya as the ruling authority and representative of the Libyan people", the English service of the official newswire said late Monday, without immediately giving further details.

The Asian giant has billions invested in rail, oil and telecoms in Libya. It opposed NATO airstrikes during the uprising against Kadhafi and has said the United Nations should lead post-war reconstruction there.