Overview
- Xinhua reported that Kim En Nam died Monday at age 97 after an illness.
- Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning conveyed China's deepest condolences at a Tuesday briefing in Beijing.
- Mao expressed sincere sympathy to his family as part of the official statement.
- She described Kim as a friend of the Chinese people who contributed to bilateral friendship and cooperation.
- RIA Novosti summarized the announcement, citing the Xinhua report and the Chinese ministry's briefing, with no funeral details disclosed.