The relations between China and Malawi will "develop comprehensively and rapidly" based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence after the two countries established diplomatic ties, said Chinese  spokeswoman Jiang Yu in Beijing on Tuesday.

"The establishment of the diplomatic ties has laid a sound foundation for friendly cooperation in all fields in the future," said Jiang.

The decision to establish diplomatic relations conforms with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, said Jiang.

She said China is willing to establish and develop friendly ties with all countries based on the one-China policy.

Chinese Foreign MinisterYang Jiechi and Malawian Minister for Presidential and Parliamentary Affairs Davis Katsonga signed a joint communique in Beijing on Dec. 28, 2007 to forge diplomatic relations.