New | China pays tribute to Mandela, an 'old friend of the Chinese people'
Chinese social media reaction to Mandela's death brings criticism of mainland
China has referred to Nelson Mandela as an old friend of Chinese people in a tribute to the former South African president who died on Thursday at the age of 95.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hong Lei said that Mandela made a historic contribution to the establishment and development of Sino-South African relations.
“He’s not only regarded as ‘the father of country’ by the South African people, but has also won respect and fondness from people all around the world,” Hong added.
President Xi Jinping sent personal condolences to Nelson Mandela on Friday morning and praised his “historic contribution” to South Africa and the world.
“Mr Mandela was a world renowned statesman. With arduous and extraordinary efforts, he led the South African people to win the battle against apartheid, making a historic contribution to the birth and development of a new South Africa,” Xi said in a message of condolence to South African President Jacob Zuma, Xinhua reported.
The report said Xi’s message was both representing China and expressing his personal condolences.