BEIJING - China on Monday offered its "deep condolences" on the death of Kim Jong-il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"We are shocked to learn that DPRK top leader comrade Kim Jong-il passed away and we hereby express our deep condolences on his demise and send sincere regards to the DPRK people," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu when responding to a question from the press.