BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday expressed deep condolences at the passing of former Israeli President Shimon Peres and extended sincere sympathies to the Israeli people and the families of Peres.

Peres was a veteran politician and diplomat, as well as a founder of the Middle East peace process, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said, adding that he also contributed considerably to China-Israel ties.

Peres' unfortunate passing is not only a loss for peace in the Middle East, but also to the China-Israel relationship, Geng said.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, Peres passed away in a hospital outside Tel Aviv, two weeks after suffering a stroke. He was 93.