Wu Jianmin, 77, a former Chinese ambassador to France, died in a car accident in Wuhan, Hubei province, early on Saturday.

The well-respected former senior diplomat, who often warned against rising global populism, is remembered for his gentle style, eloquence and sharp comments on how to manage China's international policy and interests in a reasoned manner.

His quotes include "China, having made a few achievements, cannot let its mind be overwhelmed" and "Few countries will make friends with China if it (China) is too shrewd and refuses to offer foreign aid".

His death was widely covered on Chinese news portals and social media. People from all walks of life expressed their condolences.

Wu, who started work at the Foreign Ministry at age 20 in 1959, first served as a French language interpreter. He once worked for Chinese leaders including Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.

He worked as a delegate to the United Nations, as the ministry's spokesman, and as ambassador to the Netherlands and to France. Wu was also a permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva.

His last official post was president of China Foreign Affairs University from 2003 to 2008. Thousands gathered at the university on Saturday night to mourn him.

In his latter years, Wu led or took part in public diplomacy forums and think tanks.

Li Ying, a former secretary to Wu, said he did not rest at weekends, sometimes working until 9 pm. He prepared every speech carefully.

"He was mild-mannered to everyone, and never fussy. ... He was always energetic, as he kept fit and often drank tea," Li said.

Wu's wife, Shi Yanhua, is also a former diplomat. "Wherever they went together, they were hand in hand," Li said.

Wu was a good speaker for China at global forums. He was elected president of the intergovernmental organization Bureau International des Expositions in 2003, the first Asian to take the post.

Many observers said Wu's popularity mirrors the desire of Chinese for the country to improve its international image and to help understanding between it and the rest of the world.

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