Xi sends condolences to UK on death of queen
President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences on Friday to British King Charles III over the death of Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, Xi expressed deep condolences over the death of Queen Elizabeth II and extended sincere sympathy to the British royal family, government and people, Xinhua News Agency reported. In his message, Xi said that Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, had won wide acclaim, noting that she was the first British monarch to visit China. Xi stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Britain relations and stands ready to work with King Charles III to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the ambassadorial level as an opportunity to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and their people, Xinhua said. Meanwhile, Chief Executive John Lee expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. "On behalf of the people and the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, it is with great sadness that I express our profound condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom," Lee said in a statement. "Having reigned for 70 years, she was the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. She was greatly respected, admired and praised by the British people. We send our deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom during this time of national mourning and reflection."