BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes the peace progress in South Sudan and hopes a transitional government of unity will be formed at an early date, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Monday.

The comment came after South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar said on Saturday that he accepted the appointment by President Salva Kiir Mayardit as the first vice president, as stipulated in a peace deal signed last year.

"China hopes South Sudan will form a transitional government of unity as soon as possible to accelerate reconstruction in the country," Hong said at a regular news briefing.

China will continue to work with countries in the region and the international community to play a constructive role in promoting peace, stability and development in the African country, Hong added.