China's last feudal vassal king, Dawut Mahsut, died of a lingering illness in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Wednesday. He was 88.

The China state-run media, Xinhua, reported that Dawut died in Kuqa King's Palace, his residence since 2006 when it opened to the public.The Palace is a tourist site on Kuqa County.

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Mahsut who was then two years old, was adopted by his uncle who was 11th King of Kuqa. Twelve years later, he ascended to the throne as the 12th vassal king of Xinjiang.

Reports said Mahsut's ascension to the throne was approved by Sheng Sicai, a Xinjiang warlord, who wanted to solidify his hold in Xinjiang.

Mahsut held several positions in the government before he died, the last one being the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Kuqa County. Mahsut was the oldest living civil servant before he died.

Earlier in his career, he served as bank president, translator, and factory head in several Xinjiang counties following the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Although a king, Mahsut was regarded by many as a patriot, contributing immensely to economic development. social stability, and national solidarity.