Huang Tian, M.A.
Topic
The Chinese Envoys to Germany in the last years of Qing-Dynasty (1897-1911)
Abstract
Diplomatic relations between China and Germany started in the second half of the 19th century. The diplomatic system of China changed fundamentally since 1900 in terms of the envoy´s assignments and administrative powers. The activities of Chinese envoys in Germany between 1897 and 1911 will be examined in order to show the transformation of the diplomatic system of China as well as of the Chinese-German relationship. Five Chinese envoys, taking into consideration their family and educational backgrounds, will be analyzed in view of changing authorities influencing their diplomatic activities and career path.
The case study of Yinchang 荫昌 (1859-1928), a Manchurian official and the most important envoy in the first years of the twentieth century is of particular interest to this project. Thanks to an initiative of the Self-Strengthening Movement, he had the opportunity to study German already at the age of 13 and came to Germany as a translator at the age of 18. He participated in many important events and negotiations regarding the Sino-German relations around the turn of the century, such as the negotiations about Kiaochow Bay (1897-1898), the Boxer Protocol (1900-1901) and the mission of Prince Chun (1901). Despite being Manchurian, he continued to influence the relationships of China and Germany after the Revolution of 1911. Moreover, his relation to Germany was never restricted to his official position, compared to other Chinese envoys to Germany, since he played a more comprehensive role in the political, military, business and cultural communities of Germany. His marriage to a German woman, for example, allowed him to enter more deeply into German society.
Research Interests
- Diplomacy history in late Qing-Dynasty
- The material and cultural exchanges between China and Germany
- History of education in late Qing-Dynasty
Biography
Tian Huang, M.A, studied Industrial Engineering at the Northwestern Polytechnical University and Modern and Contemporary Chinese History at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. He received the Master of Arts in History degree in the year 2014.