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
Chen Zhenghui and Wang Jingwei
Framed by Wang Jingwei’s inscriptions on each side, this 1909 fan may be the earliest extant specimen of Wang’s calligraphy.This work illustrates a rarely seen progression of Wang Jingwei’s calligraphy, spanning more than 30 years. It is also significant in other ways: The fan, dedicated to Zeng Xing (1882-1954), is Wang’s calligraphy of “The Ballad of Mulan,” which was composed in Northern Wei … 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
Freedom of the Press: Trials and Tribulations During the Wang Jingwei Regime
This August 11th, 1940 article in Zhongyang Ribao reported the bombing of Zhonghua Ribao’s office.Freedom is never easily attained. When opposing views not only met with fierce verbal opposition, they also led to open conflict. Newspapers sponsored by the Wang Jingwei regime did not escape this fate; how to defend this freedom became essential. Since Wang began negotiating peace with the … 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 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