China mourns death of Australian sinologist Colin Mackerras

(ECNS) — China has expressed condolences over the death of Colin Mackerras, an Australian sinologist and recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award who died Oct. 8 at 87, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Tuesday.

Mackerras was long committed to Australia-China friendship and contributed to deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Australia, Mao said at a regular news conference.

"We express deep condolences over his death and extend our sincere sympathies to his family," she said.

Mackerras died in Brisbane on the evening of Oct. 8 local time after an illness. He was 87.

(By Zhang Dongfang)