AP reporter Christopher Bodeen, a tenacious chronicler of China’s rise, dies at 55

AP reporter Christopher Bodeen, a tenacious chronicler of China's rise, has passed away at the age of 55 following a battle with cancer and complications from a stroke, his daughter Ingrid confirmed Thursday from Taiwan. Born in Missouri on September 9, 1970, Bodeen spent parts of his childhood in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia, with his parents both being diplomats.

Renowned for his keen analytical eye, wry sense of humor, and fluency in Mandarin, Bodeen spent decades working for The Associated Press in China, Taiwan, and war zones, detailing China's rise to an economic, political and military superpower. He was known for his ability to quickly assess the newsworthiness of government statements and to write about the most sensitive political issues, including Tibet, Mongolia, and China's military presence in the South China Sea.

After the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province in 2008, Bodeen composed his eyewitness account from a devastated town via text messages due to damaged telecommunications networks. His colleagues and friends remembered him not only for his exceptional knowledge of the region and journalism, but also for his love of the Boston Red Sox, punk rock, and the contagious enthusiasm he brought to his work.