On 8 October, the Australian renowned sinologist Prof. Colin Patrick Mackerras AO passed away in Brisbane. Ambassador Liu Jinsong wrote to the professor's family to express his deep condolences and sincere sympathies.

Ambassador Liu said that Prof. Mackerras had visited China more than 80 times and made outstanding contributions to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Australian peoples. Having received the Chinese Government Friendship Award, Prof. Mackerras will always be remembered by the Chinese people.

Prof. Mackerras's family expressed their gratitude to Ambassador Liu, the Chinese Embassy in Australia and the Consulate-General of China in Brisbane for conveying their condolences at the earliest opportunity. They said Ambassador Liu's letter had brought consolation to the family and touched them deeply. Prof. Mackerras had a profound love for China and Chinese people and had devoted his life to promoting friendship between Australia and China, and he would be sorely missed by the peoples of both countries.