Chinese ambassador to Israel found dead at home, says Israeli foreign ministry
Du Wei was appointed envoy in February in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and previously served as China's envoy to Ukraine.
Monday 18 May 2020 12:26, UK
The Chinese ambassador to Israel has been found dead at his home north of Tel Aviv, the Israeli foreign ministry has said.
Du Wei, 58, was appointed envoy in February in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
He previously served as China's envoy to Ukraine.
A police spokesperson said: "As part of the regular procedure, police units are at the scene."
The ambassador's death comes just two days after he condemned comments by visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who denounced Chinese investments in Israel and accused China of hiding information about the COVID-19 outbreak.
Israel enjoys good relations with China.
The country's foreign ministry has given no cause for his death, but said on Sunday a police investigation had been launched.
Israel's Channel 12 TV, quoting unidentified emergency medical officials, said initial indications were that the ambassador died in his sleep of natural causes.
He is survived by a wife and son, neither of whom are in Israel.