China expresses condolences over passing of Japan's former prime minister Yasuo Fukuda

China expresses deep condolences over the passing of former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, and offers sincere sympathies to his family, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing on Monday.

Noting that Fukuda was an old friend of China who had made positive contributions to improving and developing China-Japan relations, Guo said that Fukuda "held a correct view of history" and remained committed to friendship between the two countries.

"During his tenure as prime minister, China and Japan signed the fourth political document. After leaving office, he visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders," Guo said, adding that Fukuda served for many years as chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, playing an important role in facilitating exchanges and cooperation in Asia.

Fukuda once pointed out that the four political documents between China and Japan set out the principles governing bilateral relations, which must always be borne in mind, with no backtracking on these principles, Guo noted.

"His remarks carried great weight, reflecting the credibility and responsibility of Japan's older generation of statesmen. Those running the Japanese government should look inward and do serious soul-searching," the spokesperson said.

Fukuda died of heart failure at a hospital in Tokyo on Oct. 22 at the age of 90, local media reported Monday.