China has lost a 'great' friend

Xi praises Fidel Castro, a much loved figure for Chinese people

Few foreign leaders have been more endearing to Chinese people than Fidel Castro, the charismatic Cuban revolutionary whose death at age 90 late Friday has prompted condolences and commendations from the blogosphere and Beijing leadership.

Calling him "a great figure of our times", President Xi Jinping said Castro's death meant the Chinese people had lost a close comrade and sincere friend.