China expresses 'deep condolences' over death of Jimmy Carter

China has offered its condolences over Carter's death, saying he was the "driving force" behind the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Washington over 40 years ago.

"China expresses its deep condolences on the passing of former United States President Jimmy Carter," Mao Ning, spokesperson at China's Foreign Ministry, said at a regular press briefing. 

At the time of Carter's presidential tenure from 1977 to 1981, the US government established formal relations with Beijing, building on the groundwork laid by former President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in the early 1970s.