Former ambassador Wu Jianmin, 77, dies in car accident

Wu Jianmin, 77, a former Chinese ambassador to France, died in a car accident in Wuhan, Hubei province, early on Saturday.

The well-respected former senior diplomat, who often warned against rising global populism, is remembered for his gentle style, eloquence and sharp comments on how to manage China's international policy and interests in a reasoned manner.

His quotes include "China, having made a few achievements, cannot let its mind be overwhelmed" and "Few countries will make friends with China if it (China) is too shrewd and refuses to offer foreign aid".