BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday expressed condolences over the passing of Chen Ming-chung, former head of the Chinatide Association in Taiwan.

Chen was a loyal patriot, a shining example of the Taiwan people's fight against colonialism and oppression, and an outstanding representative of the national reunification movement in Taiwan, said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, at a press conference.

Chen died of illness on Nov 21 in Shanghai.

The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council expressed their sincere condolences, said Zhu.

"Chen devoted his whole life to the lofty cause of realizing China's complete reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. His patriotism deserves to be remembered forever by compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait," said Zhu.