China expresses "profound condolences" on late DPRK leader

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday expressed profound condolences on the demise of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Il. Spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily press briefing in Beijing. Chinese authorities, including the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the National People's Congress, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, sent a condolence message. "The DPRK earlier said it would not accept foreign delegations for the funeral ceremony," Hong said, "China will respect the DPRK's decision." The DPRK's official KCNA news agency reported on Dec. 19 that foreign mourning delegations will not be received. Hong said the Chinese ambassador to the DPRK, on behalf of China, is scheduled to attend the ceremonies of bidding farewell to Kim Jong Il and memorial service as arranged by the DPRK. The DPRK Wednesday held a ceremony bidding farewell to Kim Jong Il, the KCNA news agency reported. It will hold a memorial service on Thursday. Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou went to the Embassy of the DPRK in Beijing Tuesday morning to express his condolences. The late DPRK leader passed away from "great mental and physical strain" at 08:30 a.m. Dec. 17 (2330 GMT Friday) on a train during a field guidance tour, according to DPRK media. President Hu Jintao went to the Embassy of the DPRK in Beijing on Dec. 20 to express his condolences. Other senior leaders such as Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang also went to the DPRK Embassy in Beijing to express their condolences. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Pak Myong Ho, charge d'affaires of DPRK Embassy in Beijing on Dec. 19 to express his condolences.