China on Thursday welcomed the signing of a peace deal aiming to end the conflict in South Sudan.

"This is an important step forward in South Sudan's peace process," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying of the deal signed by South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday in the South Sudanese capital Juba.

Under the deal proposed by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the conflicting sides will form a new government. Riek Machar, leader of South Sudan's major rebel group and the former vice president, is expected to regain the post after he was dismissed in 2013.

Machar already signed the deal with the secretary general of the ruling party, in Addis Ababa of Ethiopia last week.

"China appreciated the efforts made by the IGAD and other parties, and hopes the conflicting sides in South Sudan can implement the agreement with concrete actions, improve the humanitarian situation, start reconstruction and resume peace and stability," Hua said.

She said China will maintain communication and coordination with all sides and continue to play a constructive role in promoting the peace process in South Sudan.

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