BEIJING - China on Monday congratulated former prime minister Alexis Tsipras' SYRIZA party on its victory in the general election, expressing willingness to cooperate with the new government.

China attaches great importance to relations with Greece and is willing to work with its new government to promote exchanges and cooperation, and further the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing.

SYRIZA party celebrated its second victory in eight months on Sunday night, and is set to return to office with its former junior coalition partner, the Independent Greeks (ANEL).

The new government could be sworn in on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning, according to the "Vima" daily.