BEIJING - A Chinese leader will attend the ceremonies arranged by South Africa to mourn the passing of Nelson Mandela, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Friday.

Vice President Li Yuanchao would go to the South African Embassy in Beijing to pay respects to this old friend of the Chinese people, Hong said.

Hong told a regular press briefing that China has expressed deep grief and condolences on the death of Mandela on Thursday at his home in Johannesburg, aged 95.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have sent messages of condolence to South African President Jacob Zuma to express their heartfelt sympathies.

"The Chinese Embassy and consulates in South Africa are flying their flag at half staff today," Hong said.