China mourns death of former Singaporean PM Lee Kuan Yew

China on Monday mourned the death of former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, calling him a statesman of unique influence in Asia.

Lee is a strategist with both oriental values and international visions,Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said in a written statement.

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father, served as the country's prime minister from 1959 to 1990 and then as a senior minister and minister mentor. He died early Monday local time at the age of 91.

As a founder of China-Singapore relations, Lee had been committed to the promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation and made historical contribution for the establishment and development of bilateral ties, said Hong.

China expresses deep grief on the passing of Lee and conveys sincere condolences to his family as well as the Singaporean government and people, said Hong.

(Updated)