Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that Mandela made historical contributions to the establishment and development of China-South Africa relations.
"We express deep condolences over the passing of Mandela and convey sincere sympathy to the South African government and people and to Mandela's family," Hong said in a written statement.
As a famous leader of the anti-apartheid movement, Mandela is revered as "founding father" in South Africa and an outstanding statesman in the world, winning worldwide respect and love, he said.