China expressed deep condolences on the passing of Yasuhiro Nakasone on Friday, and extended sincere sympathy to family members of the former Japanese prime minister.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at the daily press briefing that Nakasone was a veteran diplomat with great vision, who was dedicated to friendly and substantial cooperation with China and made important contributions to promoting bilateral relations.

Nakasone, one of Japan's longest reigning prime ministers, died at the age of 101 on Friday morning at a hospital in Tokyo.

Born in 1918, Nakasone served as Japan's prime minister from 1982 to 1987.