China extends condolences over death of former Japanese ambassador

China's Foreign Ministry on Friday expressed deep condolences over the passing of Uichiro Niwa, former Japanese ambassador to China, calling him an old friend of the Chinese people.

Speaking at a daily news briefing on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Niwa, who died at 86 on Dec 24, 2025, was a well-known Japanese entrepreneur and the first non-career diplomat to serve as Japan's ambassador to China.

During his tenure, he made active efforts to promote the development of China-Japan relations, as well as bilateral economic cooperation, and devoted considerable energy to advancing people-to-people friendship between the two countries, Mao told reporters.

While extending sincere condolences to his family, Mao said the country speaks positively about his contributions.