Chinese leaders lauded former Cambodian king Norodom Sihanouk as a "great friend of the Chinese people" as they expressed sadness over his death in Beijing yesterday.
Vice President Xi Jinping visited Sihanouk's widow, former queen Monineath, in the capital to give his "deep condolences and sincere sympathy" to the Cambodian people.
"I was shocked and grief-stricken to learn His Majesty King Sihanouk died of an illness in Beijing early this morning," Xi said. "King Sihanouk is an old friend of the Chinese people, and has established deep friendship with Chinese leaders across generations."
President Hu Jintao and his predecessor, Jiang Zemin , both offered their condolences, while Premier Wen Jiabao called on Sihanouk's widow.
The current Cambodian king, Norodom Sihamoni, and Prime Minister Hun Sen arrived in Beijing to bring home Sihanouk's body. The former king had been receiving medical treatment in Beijing since being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994.
His body will go on display in Phnom Penh for three months before a lavish state funeral.
Sihanouk had enjoyed close relationships with revolutionary leaders Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai . The former leader, who died aged 89, had a luxurious residence in Beijing, which had served as the French embassy in the early 1900s.
