Chinese government expresses condolences over passing of former President General Khamtay Siphandone 

The Chinese government has extended condolences following the passing of former Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and state President, General Khamtay Siphandone, on April 2.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday led a delegation visiting the Lao Embassy in Beijing to sign a book of condolences.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signs a book of condolences. --Photo Lao News Agency

The delegation was welcomed by the Lao Ambassador to China, Somphone Sichaleune.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrote "I wish to express my profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to former President General Khamtay Siphandone."
Minister Wang Yi represented high-ranking Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Qiang and other senior officials in laying a wreath in tribute to General Khamtay, according to the Lao News Agency. 
The Chinese diplomat expressed his deepest condolences to the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the Lao President, government and people, as well as General Khamtay’s family.
He spoke highly of the achievements and virtues of General Khamtay, particularly his leading role in the revolutionary struggle for national liberation, his contributions to national development and defence tasks, notably the implementation of the renovation policy, and his longstanding support for strengthening friendly Lao-Chinese relations.
Ambassador Somphone represented the Laos’ Party and government and General Khamtay’s family in expressing his deep gratitude to the leadership of the Party and state of China, and pledged to continue to strengthen Laos-China cooperative relations in a deeper and more productive manner.
On the same day, Lao Embassy staff and other Lao nationals working in China gathered to mourn the passing of General Khamtay.
The Lao Embassy invites Chinese officials, foreign diplomats to China, and Lao nationals studying in Beijing to visit the embassy to sign the book of condolences in tribute to General Khamtay Siphandone between the hours of 10am-12 noon and 2pm-4pm on April 4-7.

By Siladda Suliyong 
 (Latest Update April 4, 2025)