A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said China respects the choice of the Americans in the US presidential election.

Mao Ning spoke at a news conference on Wednesday after some US media said Donald Trump is projected to win the race.

She said the election is a matter of US internal affairs.

She also said China's policy toward the US has been consistent, and that Beijing will continue to handle the issue based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.

Asked whether Chinese President Xi Jinping will send a congratulatory message to Trump, Mao said China will deal with the matter in accordance with tradition after the results are officially announced.