Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Tuesday expressed deep condolences in regard to the death of Kim Yong-nam, former chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Kim died of an illness at the age of 97 on Monday.

Mao described Kim as an "old friend of the Chinese people" who had led several delegations to China during his lifetime, and made important contributions to promoting the traditional friendship and cooperation between China and the DPRK.

"China expresses deep grief over his passing and extends sincere sympathies to his family," Mao said at a regular press briefing in Beijing.