On Tuesday, China expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, who passed away in China due to an illness on Monday.

"We are deeply grieved by the loss of a good friend and extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones," Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in a statement on Tuesday.

Wang said that Sta. Romana, who is well-known for his profound knowledge of China, worked and lived in China for many years and was an old and good friend.

After assuming the post of the Philippine Ambassador to China in 2017, he worked actively and industriously, making important contributions to promoting bilateral relations and friendship between the two peoples, Wang said.

"We will work together with his family and the Philippine Embassy in China to properly handle follow-up matters and provide every convenience possible," the spokesman said.