China has extended heartfelt condolences following 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 (DPRK), who passed away at 97 on Monday. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described Kim as "an old friend of the Chinese people" during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Kim, a key figure in DPRK-China relations, led numerous delegations to the Chinese mainland during his career. His efforts were credited with strengthening the "traditional friendly and cooperative ties" between the two nations, according to Mao. The spokesperson emphasized China's "profound condolences" and extended sympathies to Kim's family.
Analysts note Kim's diplomatic legacy includes fostering economic collaboration and political alignment between Beijing and Pyongyang during critical periods of regional change. His passing comes amid ongoing discussions about inter-Korean relations and Northeast Asia's evolving security landscape.
