China's embassy in the United Kingdom reaffirmed its stance on the issue of the Malvinas Islands, saying it firmly supports Argentina's legitimate claim to full sovereignty over the islands.

"China's position on the issue of the Malvinas Islands is consistent. We firmly support Argentina's legitimate claim to full sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands," according to a statement released on Monday.

After China and Argentina issued a joint statement to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on her personal Twitter that "China must respect the Falklands' sovereignty". The UK officially calls the territory the Falkland Islands.

The statement said China has always advocated that territorial disputes between countries should be resolved through peaceful negotiations in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

"We hope that the UK will respond positively to Argentina's request, start dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible, and find a peaceful, just and lasting solution in accordance with relevant UN resolutions."

China has repeatedly expounded its position on the Malvinas Islands, which are located in the South Atlantic Ocean. Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told a session of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization last June that the question of the Malvinas Islands is essentially a legacy of colonialism. He called for international efforts to put an end to colonialism.

"The international community must remain highly vigilant about this (colonialism)," Geng said.