Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Tuesday that the Chinese government and leaders are highly concerned about the health of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

"President of Palestine State Arafat is an old friend of the Chinese people. The Chinese government and leaders have extended regards to him via various channels, including a basket of flowers through the Chinese Embassy in Paris," Zhang told a regular press conference.

Arafat, 75 years old, became severely ill 10 days ago at his West Bank residence in Ramallah. He was airlifted to Paris for treatment on Oct. 29.