Former Japanese PM Yasuo Fukuda dies at 90

China expressed deep condolences on Monday over the passing of former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda, praising his contributions toward bilateral relations and urging Japan's current leaders to reflect on his commitment to the principles underpinning China-Japan relations.

Fukuda, known for his efforts to improve bilateral relations, passed away at a hospital in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, on Thursday at the age of 90, local media reported on Monday.

Born on July 16, 1936, Fukuda was the eldest son of former prime minister Takeo Fukuda. He served as Japan's prime minister from September 2007 to September 2008 and during his tenure, he actively worked to enhance and develop China-Japan relations. A key achievement of his time in office was the signing of the China-Japan Joint Statement on All-round Promotion of Strategic Relationship of Mutual Benefit in 2008.

The statement is considered the fourth major bilateral document signed by the two nations, building upon the China-Japan Joint Statement issued in 1972, the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed in 1978, and the China-Japan Joint Declaration released in 1998. These four documents are widely regarded together as forming the political and legal foundation for the development of a stable and mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan.

"We express deep condolences and grief over the passing of former prime minister Yasuo Fukuda and heartfelt sympathies to his family," Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said while addressing a regular news briefing in Beijing on Monday.

Guo described Fukuda as an old friend of the Chinese people who actively contributed to the improvement and development of China-Japan relations.

Fukuda was long committed to friendship between the two countries and upheld a correct view of history, Guo said, noting that after leaving office, Fukuda visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.

The spokesman recalled Fukuda's remarks that the four political documents stipulated the principles governing bilateral relations, emphasizing that these principles must always be kept in mind.

Zhang Yulai, a professor at Nankai University's Japan Institute in Tianjin, praised Fukuda's significant contribution to the development of China-Japan relations.

"Fukuda's core political legacy for China-Japan relations lies in establishing a foundational institutional framework for their development," Zhang said. "He served as chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia from 2010 to 2018, effectively extending China-Japan dialogue from a bilateral context to multilateral platforms."

Xinhua contributed to this story.

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