Nearly a week after he was declared the winner of the US presidential election, China congratulated on Friday Joe Biden on his election.

At a regular press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China respects the choice of the American people and the result of the US election will be determined in accordance with US laws and procedures.

“We congratulate Mr. Biden and (vice presidential running mate) Ms. (Kamala) Harris," Wenbin said.

China was among a handful of major countries including Russia and Mexico, which avoided congratulating Biden last week. The relation between China and the US has been strained under the administration of Donald Trump.

China is involved in a tariff war with the Trump administration over Beijing’s technology ambitions. Trump has also labeled China a security threat and has also imposed sanctions on Chinese companies.

Both the countries have been sparring over blame for the coronavirus pandemic, which Trump has referred to as the 'China virus' and 'kung flu'.