The Chinese Foreign Ministry has sent its condolences to the Hawking family. At a regular press conference, the ministry said Hawking's contributions will be remembered forever.

LU KANG, SPOKESPERSON CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY "Mr. Stephen Hawking was an outstanding scientist, and a fighter who struggled with disease for a very long time. He made a tremendous contribution to science and humanity. Mr. Hawking visited China three times, and had pleasant exchanges with Chinese scientists and science enthusiasts. We express our condolences to Mr. Hawking's family, and I believe Mr. Hawking and his contributions will be remembered forever."