"We express our deep condolences over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto," said a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Saturday.

Hashimoto died of multiple organ failure Saturday afternoon in a Tokyo hospital at the age of 68.

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan has sent a telegram of condolence to the family of Hashimoto, the spokesperson said.

Devoting himself to the development of friendship between China and Japan, Hashimoto had made "positive" contributions to the improvement and development of bilateral ties while he was in office, the spokesperson added.

Hashimoto started his political career in 1963 as a young member of parliament. He was prime minister from January 1996 to July 1998.

Hashimoto went on a goodwill visit to China and met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in March.

Source: Xinhua