The body of the Chinese ambassador to Israel, who died suddenly on May 17, was returned to Beijing on Thursday morning. 

Du Wei was found dead at his residence in coastal Herzliya, to the north of Tel Aviv. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Du is believed to have died of natural causes. 

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, along with other senior officials in the ministry, paid tribute to the late ambassador at Beijing Capital International Airport early on Thursday.

Wang sent condolences to the family of Du, who was 57.

"Comrade Du Wei was our good colleague and comrade in arms. As an ambassador, he fought for national interests until his last moments and he dedicated himself to diplomatic work. We will always remember him," the minister said.

Du served as ambassador to Ukraine from 2016 to 2019 and became ambassador to Israel in February. He went into a 14-day mandatory quarantine after his arrival and received his diplomatic credentials on March 23.