Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Thursday that China deeply mourns the passing of Yohei Kono, former president of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party.

Lin conveyed that history should not be forgotten, adding that the sentiments behind the normalization of China-Japan relations should be carried forward and the commitments made at the time honored.

China expresses deep condolences over Kono's passing and extends sincere sympathies to his family, Lin said at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

Describing Kono an old friend of the Chinese people who upheld a correct view of history, Lin said the Kono Statement continues to have a positive impact to this day.

The statement, issued by Kono in 1993 when he was Japan's chief cabinet secretary, acknowledged the Japanese military's involvement in the establishment and management of "comfort stations" and the recruitment of "comfort women", and expressed remorse and apology.

Lin noted that even in his final days, Kono remained deeply concerned about China-Japan relations and, with tears in his eyes, expressed his wish to make one last visit to China.

"Regrettably, due to his deteriorating health, that wish was not fulfilled," Lin said.

Noting that Kono once said he would never forget the shock and joy he felt when China and Japan normalized diplomatic relations, Lin said those words carry even greater practical significance under the current circumstances.