Wang Jingwei’s calligraphy of a poem he dedicated to his wife, Chen Bijun. (Wang Jingwei Poetry – Newly Edited, p. 2) In Shuangzhaoloushici duhouji (“Reflections After Reading Shuangzhaolou Poetry”), (Wang Jingwei Poetry – Newly Edited, p. 2) Ho Mang Hang made the following observation about the relationship between Wang Jingwei and Chen Bijun:Wang’s use of “Shuangzhao” to name his poetry collection illustrates how … Read More
Reading and Writing—Life Behind Bars for Wang Jingwei and Associates
In the handwritten draft of his autobiography, Wang Jingwei described how he endured prison life by writing poetry, which was later collected in Shuangzhaolou shicigao. Wang Jingwei Nanshe Poetry (page 76)The Book of Odes says: “The common people have toiled long and may well be allowed a little rest.” How true this is. To work and toil belongs inevitably to our … Read More
Words to Overseas Chinese
Wang wrote the nine-page “Words to Overseas Chinese”, the complete text can be found in Wang Jingwei’s Political Discourse: Selected Essays and Speeches, on page 216.“Words to Overseas Chinese” showcased on the slipcase for Wang Jingwei & Modern China the series. Overseas Chinese played a critical role in the 1911 Xinhai Revolution that successfully overthrew the Qing dynasty. And Wang Jingwei’s superior writing … Read More
Private Letters Reveal Wang Jingwei’s Unknown Private Side
Wang Jingwei: His Life, Ideas and Beliefs features scans of 50 letters handwritten by Wang Jingwei along with full transcriptions, annotations and summaries by Professor Hsu Yuming. Also included are five letters written by Wang’s associates. Many were written with a pen, which are rarely seen. (pp. 353-468) A primary goal in the publication of Wang Jingwei & Modern China is to further … Read More
Was Wang Jingwei Truly Universally Condemned?
When Wang Jingwei returned to China from overseas in January, 1937, he was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd. (Wang Jingwei: His Life, Ideas and Beliefs, pp. 118-123) Photo from Shibao BimonthlyClearly, Wang Jingwei was a controversial figure subject to much debate. For years, we have heard about attacks on his activities and character. In our last issue, new archival material … Read More
Wang Jingwei’s Advocacy for a General Election Leading to the Republic of China
Page 18 of Wang Jingwei’s draft of his autobiography (see Wang Jingwei: His Life, Ideas and Beliefs, p. 227, for corresponding transcript see p. 226) In the draft of his autobiography, Wang Jingwei describes his work after being released from prison for the attempted assassination of the Prince Regent, which centered around plans for a vote to decide on the … Read More
Wang Jingwei: “My Mother”
“Morning Lessons in the Autumn Garden,” Fang Junbi (1898-1986) Among the many women who played influential roles in Wang Jingwei’s life, two women who are rarely mentioned deserve particular attention: Wang’s mother and his mother-in-law. Wang’s mother, known only as “Madame Wu” (the record of her full name has not survived) died a few days after Wang’s thirteenth birthday. Even so, the … Read More
When Wang Jingwei Was Arrested
When officials asked Wang Jingwei why his essays “Trend of Revolution,” “Determination for Revolution,” and “A Farewell letter” were sewn into the lining of his coat, he responded: “These essays were first written with ink, now I want to write them in blood.” Page 13 of Wang Jingwei’s draft of an autobiography, in Wang Jingwei: His Life, Ideas and Beliefs … Read More
When did Wang Jingwei & Chen Bijun Marry?
Wang Jingwei & Chen Bijun wedding photo Wang Jingwei & Modern China sheds new light on one of the more popular topics of discussion surrounding Wang Jingwei: his wife Chen Bijun (1891-1959), and the relationship between them. Wang Jingwei’s poetic expressions of affection for his wife had been published in the Shuangzhaolou shicigao collection, where “Bingru” (Chen Bijun’s courtesy … Read More
The 1939 Assassination Attempt on Wang Jingwei
Much has been written about the assassination that took place in March 1939 in Hanoi. Most recently, Ho Mang Hang’s eye-witness account, and Wang Jingwei’s own writing was been published for the first time in Wang Jingwei & Modern China. Aside from clarifying details about the incident, these recollections provide clues as to how the event affected Wang Jingwei. On … Read More