General Scowcroft remembered as 'old friend' of Chinese people

The Chinese embassy in the United States on Friday sent condolences to the family of General Brent Scowcroft, the national security adviser for presidents Gerald R. Ford and George H.W. Bush, and an old friend of the Chinese people.

Scowcroft passed away on Aug 6. He was 95.

Scowcroft accompanied Richard Nixon, the 37th US president, on his historic journey to China in February 1972.

Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai said Scowcroft was an old friend of the Chinese people with valuable forethought and strategic insight.

"I met with him many times and personally benefited from his thoughtful guidance," the ambassador said on Twitter.

"His wisdom, as that of the elder generation of Chinese and American leaders, helped bring China & the US together and guided us through twists & turns in our relations, which have been delivering huge benefits to our people and contributing to world peace, stability & prosperity," he wrote.

The full text of the Chinese embassy's condolences follows.

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States wishes to express heartfelt sadness at the passing of General Brent Scowcroft, former US National Security Advisor to the President, and send sincere condolences to the general's family.

General Scowcroft was an accomplished statesman and diplomat and an old friend of the Chinese people. He made important contributions to the China-US relationship, and supported and promoted its growth throughout his career.

Maintaining and developing a healthy and stable China-US relationship is in the interest of both the two countries and peoples and the international community. With the joint efforts of the two sides, we hope to take the relationship back to the right track despite current disturbances and difficulties. This is the best way to honor General Scowcroft.