Chinese specialists to visit Israel to investigate Ambassador's death

Du, 58, was found dead in his bed on Sunday and appears to reportedly passed away while sleeping as no signs of violence were found on his body. He left behind a wife and a son.

The ambassador was appointed in February and previously served as an ambassador to Ukraine in 2016-2019.

The Magen David Adom first aid service said that the cause of death appears to be a cardiac incident.

According to Haaretz newspaper, the Chinese investigators will not have to stay on quarantine after arrival in Israel. The team will be conducting the internal investigation and coordinating the activity of the embassy.

A representative from the family will also be joining.

On Sunday, Chinese government sources told media outlets in the Israel that Du "apparently died of natural causes but it is necessary to examine all the details."

Israel's Foreign Ministry Director General Yuval Rotem said that he spoke with China's deputy ambassador Dai Yuming to express his condolences, and told him that the ministry will help the Chinese Embassy with anything they may need along the way.

Du was known as a critic of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who accused China of fumbling the coronavirus response during an official visit to Israel earlier this week. 

Image: UNI