Yang Mu was a former senior journalist and director for the International Department at Xin Hua News Agency in Beijing, China. He covered a wide range of subjects, from major sporting events such as the Olympic Games to the China/America diplomacy meetings between President Richard Nixon and Chairman Mao.
Mr. Yang also covered the war torn countries of Vietnam and Cambodia during the height of each nation’s wars. He was a highly regarded expert on Cambodian issues and the Thailand opium wars. Putting himself in dangerous situations was part of his job. Traveling through the jungle with Kampuchean soldiers for 37 days on foot is testament of Mr. Yang’s perseverance and dedication.
Yang Mu interviewed some of the most controversial and influential people of his time. King Norodom Sihanoks, Son Sann and the tyrant murderer Pol Pot whom Mr. Yang interviewed more than anyone else were just some of the personalities this talented reporter covered. Mr. Yang was not afraid to go after the big stories.
It is as a writer, however, that Mr. Yang’s abilities are unrivaled. His descriptive and concise writing style brings his experiences to life. Yang Mu devoted 49 years of his life to journalism. For his diligent reporting and longevity he received the national journalism award (China’s highest honor in journalism) in 1987. These accolades do not begin to describe this remarkable man.
