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Chinese President Xi Jinping conveys ‘deep regret’ over sudden death of ex-Japan leader Shinzo Abe
- ‘Abe worked hard to improve China-Japan relations,’ Xi Jinping says in message to current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida following assassination of former leader
- Xi’s wife Peng Liyuan also sent her condolences to his widow Akie Abe
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03:24
The triumphs and tribulations of Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe
The triumphs and tribulations of Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe
Chinese President Xi Jinping offered his condolences on Saturday for the untimely death of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, highlighting the assassinated leader’s efforts to improve strained bilateral relations.
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Abe, Japan’s longest serving prime minister since the second world war, was gunned down on Friday while making a campaign speech in the western city of Nara for parliamentary elections due at the weekend. His death has shocked Japan, where political and gun violence is rare.
“I deeply regret the sudden death of former prime minister Abe,” Xi said in his condolence message sent to current Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
“Abe worked hard to improve China-Japan relations during his tenure … he and I had reached important consensus on building China-Japan relations for the new era.”
03:06
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s death shocks Japan and world
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s death shocks Japan and world
Xi added that he was willing to work with Kishida to further promote relations between the two nations.
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