BEIJING — China mourned the death of former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on March 23, calling him a statesman of unique influence in Asia.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei made the remarks in a written statement.

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding father, served as the country’s premier from 1959 to 1990 and then as a senior minister and minister mentor. He died early on March 23 local time at the age of 91.