China on Sunday expressed condolence for the death of Roh Moo-hyun, former president of the Republic of Korea (ROK)

"We bemoan the unfortunate death of Mr. Roh Moo-hyun and express our deep condolences to his family," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu.

Roh attached importance to the development of the China-ROK relations during his presidency, Ma said. "The Chinese government and people will remember the active efforts and great contributions he had made to promote the overall development of the China-ROK relations."

ROK police tentatively concluded Sunday that Roh's death was a suicide by jumping off a cliff. He was found dead on Saturday amid an investigation into a bribery scandal he and his family were involved in.