Chinese state media reports that Cambodia's former king, Norodom Sihanouk, has died in Beijing.

He was 89.

Sihanouk came to the throne in 1941 at the age of 19. He went on to rule Cambodia off and on more than 60 years.

Sihanouk was heralded for bringing his ancient kingdom through independence from France, war and genocide to form a fragile democracy.

He abdicated the throne to his son, Norodom Sihamoni, in 2004 due to health concerns.