China expresses deep condolences over the death of Sudanese First Vice President John Garang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said in Beijing Tuesday.

Garang was killed in a helicopter crash on Saturday, three weeks after he took post of the first vice president in Sudan's unity government, created in accordance with the peace deal.

"Garang made important contribution to the realization of north-south peace in Sudan," said Kong when asked to make comments on Garang's death.

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong has sent a message to Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, offering sincere sympathy to Garang's family and the Sudanese people.

China hopes that the peace process would continue to move forward in Sudan, said Kong.

Source: Xinhua