China's leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, have both expressed condolences over the death of former West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.

In separate messages to German President Joachim Gauck and Chancellor Angela Merkel, Xi Jinping mourned Schmidt's death and extended sympathies to his relatives.

Schmidt, who served as Chancellor of West Germany from 1974 to 1982, died aged 96 at his home in Hamburg on Tuesday afternoon.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei says Schmidt's contributions in promoting China-Germany ties are highly appreciated.

"Mr. Schmidt had been committed to promoting understanding and cooperation between China and Germany, and he was a pioneer and developer of the China-Germany relations. We highly appreciated the contributions he had made and would like to further promote the development of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership together with the German side."

President Xi has also stressed that China and Chinese people cherish the friendship between the two countries, and are willing to work with Germany and its people for a better future of their relations.

Meanwhile, Premier Li Keqiang has expressed his hope that friendly cooperation between China and Germany will achieve even greater development.

Schmidt had contributed to German nation-building and European integration. He made the first of many visits to China in 1975.