Former Japanese PM Yasuo Fukuda dies at 90; China expresses condolences
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda died of heart failure in Tokyo on 22 October 2026 at age 90. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun offered condolences, praising Fukuda as an old friend of China who contributed to improving bilateral ties.
Japanese media reports that former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda died of heart failure at a hospital in Tokyo on Thursday 22 October 2026. He was 90 years old.
In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressed China's deep condolences over Fukuda's death and offered sincere sympathies to his family. Guo described Fukuda as an old friend of the Chinese people who made positive contributions to improving and developing Sino-Japanese relations.
According to Guo, Fukuda had long been committed to Sino-Japanese friendship and held a correct view of history. During his tenure as prime minister, Fukuda signed the fourth political document between China and Japan. After leaving office, he visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. Fukuda also served for many years as chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, playing an important role in promoting exchange and cooperation in the Asian region.
Guo quoted Fukuda as saying that the four political documents between China and Japan set out the principles that bilateral relations must follow, and that these principles must always be remembered and never reversed. Guo described this statement as powerful, reflecting the integrity and responsibility of older-generation Japanese politicians, and urged Japan's current leaders to reflect deeply.