BEIJING -- A Foreign Ministry spokesman on Tuesday conveyed the government's condolences over the passing of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

"We extend deep condolences over the death of Margaret Thatcher and wish to extend sympathy to her family," spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing.

Thatcher was a prominent stateswoman who made great contributions toward the development of Sino-Britain relations, including the peaceful settlement of the Hong Kong issue, Hong said.

Thatcher, the first female prime minister of Britain, died of a stroke at the Ritz Hotel in London on Monday.