Sidney Rittenberg

Sidney Rittenberg (Chinese: 李敦白; pinyin: Lǐ Dūnbái; August 14, 1921 – August 24, 2019) was an American journalist, educator, and Chinese linguist. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He lived in China from 1944 to 1980.

He was imprisoned in solitary confinement, twice, for a total of 16 years.^[1] He was the first American citizen to join the CCP.^[2]

Rittenberg died on August 24, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona at the age of 98.^[3]

1. ↑ Michael Bristow, 'Sidney Rittenberg: Chairman Mao's Favourite American', BBC, 30 June 2011.
2. ↑ MARK MCDONALD (2012-07-10). "The Man Who Stayed Behind in China Comes Into Focus". New York Times. Retrieved 2012-07-10.
3. ↑ "Sidney Rittenberg, Idealistic American Aide to Mao Who Evolved to Counsel Capitalists, Dies at 98". The New York Times. August 25, 2019.