Anna Louise Strong was a well-known American journalist and writer. Strong's goal was to communicate the revolutionary message to the world.
Strong visited China six times, all during the critical period of China's revolution. After Japan invaded China, she watched developments closely. During the war, she came to China twice, visited the headquarters of the Eighth Route Army, and did a large amount of work in support of China's efforts in fighting the Japanese.
Strong was 73 years old when she visited China for the sixth time. Her failing health was one of the reasons she decided to remain in China.
Over the next 12 years, Strong slowly regained her health. She continued working, traveling all over China including Tibet, writing numerous articles. Strong had the ability to communicate with people from all strata, from senior officials to the common man on the street. She once said that her stay in Beijing improved her character and values.
She died in Beijing in 1970 at the age of 84.
(China.org.cn November 18, 2005)