China has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who passed away recently. In a statement issued on Friday, the Chinese government conveyed its heartfelt condolences to Murayama’s family and lauded his enduring contributions to fostering Sino-Japanese friendship. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian emphasized that Murayama was a cherished friend of the Chinese people, whose dedication to strengthening bilateral ties left an indelible mark on the relationship between the two nations. Lin highlighted Murayama’s historic 1995 statement, delivered on the 50th anniversary of Japan’s unconditional surrender, in which he expressed deep remorse for Japan’s wartime actions and extended apologies to the countries affected by its colonial rule and aggression. Lin described Murayama as a principled statesman whose declaration represented a solemn commitment to the victims of Japan’s past and the international community. He urged Japan to continue reflecting on its history, pursue peaceful development, and earn the trust of its neighbors through tangible actions. Lin also expressed hope that Japan and China would work together to build a stable and constructive bilateral relationship suited to the demands of the modern era.