China says it respects Libyan people's decision

By Kim Young-gyo HONG KONG, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- China said Tuesday that it respects the Libyan people's decision, indicating it could join international support to oust Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi. "We have noticed recent changes in the Libyan situation and we respect the Libyan people's choice," Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement posted on the ministry's Web site. The rebel Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) said it seized control of most of Tripoli, the Libyan capital, signaling that the battle to end Gadhafi's decades-long rule may be coming to an end. "(We) hope that the Libyan situation will stabilize at an early date so that people there can live a normal life," Ma said. "China is ready to cooperate with the international community to play a proactive role in the reconstruction of Libya in the future." World powers have offered cash and other aid to the rebel fighters who poured into Tripoli. The latest remark by the Chinese government was a turnaround from its earlier call. In March, the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire by all relevant parties in Libya and to resolve the issue in a peaceful manner. China is Libya's biggest oil buyer in Asia, reportedly purchasing more than 30 percent of what the African country produces. Chinese investment in Libya is mainly in the energy and construction sectors. Some Chinese project contractors, including China Gezhouba Corp. as well as China Railway Construction and Metallurgical Co., have projects in Libya. Since the political unrest broke out in February, most Chinese companies in Libya have either withdrawn or stopped operations.