BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Renowned Chinese plant ecologist Zhang Xinshi has died of an illness in Seattle, the United States, an official statement said Thursday. He was 86 years old.

Zhang was a member of the Standing Committee of the 8th, 9th and 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, former director and researcher of the Institute of Botany under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The statement described Zhang as a close friend of the Communist Party of China and an outstanding representative of personages without party affiliation in China.

Central leaders have extended their regards and condolences in various ways during his illness and after his death.