▲ This file photo shows former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan (L) with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2017. (Yonhap)

Chinese envoy-ex-PM

China's top envoy conveys condolences over late PM Lee Hae-chan

SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Yonhap) -- China's top envoy to South Korea on Tuesday conveyed condolences over the death of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, crediting Lee's contributions to bilateral relations.

"Deep condolences on his passing, and sincere sympathy to the bereaved family," Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Dai added that Lee had served twice as a presidential special envoy and made significant contributions to the development of South Korea-China relations.

Lee served as a special envoy under former liberal presidents -- Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in.

Lee, who died Sunday while visiting Vietnam, was a towering figure in South Korea's pro-democracy movement. He endured torture and imprisonment under authoritarian regimes before going on to serve as a seven-term lawmaker and advise multiple liberal presidents.

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