BEIJING, Oct. 30-- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent condolences to Zambian acting President Guy Scott over the death of President Michael Sata.

"On behalf of the Chinese government, people and in my own name, I express profound condolences over the death of Sata, and convey my deep sympathy to his family," said Xi in his message to Scott.

Xi said that Sata in his lifetime attached great importance to the development of the friendly and cooperative relations between China and Zambia.

During his presidency, the China-Zambia friendship and cooperation were further consolidated and promoted, Xi said.

China highly values the development of bilateral ties, and believes that the relationship and traditional friendship between the two countries as well as two peoples will continuously make new progress with the joint efforts of the two governments and two peoples, Xi added.

Sata died at the age of 77 on Tuesday night in London where he had gone for medical check-ups.