BEIJING, Aug. 22 -- China is willing to work with the Republic of Korea (ROK) to promote the strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.

Mao made the remarks at a press conference when asked about China's view on developing ties with the ROK, as Aug. 24 marks the 33rd anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Describing China and the ROK as "unmovable close neighbors," Mao said that the comprehensive and rapid development of bilateral ties over the past 33 years demonstrates that a healthy, stable and deepening China-ROK relationship serves the fundamental interests of both peoples, and is conducive to peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large.

China is willing to join hands with the ROK to stay true to the original aspirations of establishing diplomatic relations, remain committed to the direction of good-neighborly friendship, and adhere to the goal of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation to advance bilateral ties, the spokesperson said.