N E WS4r. No r1/ 20
DATE 9 January 1973
APPOINTMENT OF AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR TO CHINA
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr E.G. Whitlam, announced today the appointment of Dr Stephen A. Fitzgerald as Australia's first Ambassador to the People's Republic of China.
The appointment follows Australia's recognition of the People's Republic of China on 22 December 1972.
Dr Fitzgerald was born in Hobart in 1938 and was educated at the Launceston Church Grammar School and the University of Tasmania. He is married with two young daughters,
He was an officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs from 1961 to 1966 when he studied Chinese and served in Hong Kong and in Canberra.
In 1966 he went to the Australian National University where he completed his Doctorate of Philosophy in Chinese studies and continued as a Fellow in Far Eastern History.
Dr Fitzgerald has written widely on China, and has recently published a book, "China and the Overseas Chinese". He is at present deputy head of the Australian National University's Contemporary China Centre,
Mr Whitlam recalled that Dr Fitzgerald had accompanied him on his visit to China last year and said that Dr Fitzgerald's practical experience of foreign affairs and his knowledge and understanding of Chinese history and language would make a significant contribution to consolidating the relationship between the two countries at this important time.
Mr Whitlam said he hoped Dr Fitzgerald would be able to take up his appointment in Peking soon.