“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 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
Carrie Koo Mei Remembers Wang Jingwei
As a witness of the tumultuous time, my memories remain fresh. I am grateful to your father (Ho Mang Hang) for documenting this moving period in history. This series of books is very successful and meaningful, and will certainly bring deeper understanding and respect for Wang Jingwei. Carrie Koo MeiCarrie Koo Mei, well-known singer, actress, painter and author, is the … Read More
Wang Jingwei’s Pivotal Decision
On December 18, 1938, Wang Jingwei traveled from China to Hanoi with his family and a few close associates in order to advocate for peace with Japanese authorities as a person out of office while living overseas. Before leaving China, as Ho Mang Hang recalled, Wang’s nephew Wang Qi pleaded with him to reconsider. Even if the decision to negotiate … Read More
Preface to Wang Jingwei: His Life, Ideas and Beliefs by Wang Ke-wen
In the preface to Wang Jingwei: His Life, Ideas and Beliefs, now posted in its entirety on Oriental History Review’s weixin, Professor Wang Ke-wen wrote that Wang Jingwei’s entire life should not be summarized and concluded as traitorious. Instead, Wang Jingwei: His Life, Ideas and Beliefs offers an opportunity for readers to face history with honesty. Professor Wang’s preface is the … Read More