AUTHOR: WANG JINGWEI (1883-1944)

Née Zhaoming, Wang Jingwei was born in Panyu, Guangdong Province. While studying in Japan, Wang met Sun Yat-sen and joined the revolution to overthrow the Qing dynasty. Using his talents as a writer and eloquent orator to spread the word of the revolution, Wang became Sun’s chief associate, and was instrumental in building the Republic of China.

Wang’s poems written in 1910 while in prison for a failed assignation attempt on the Price Regent Zaifeng, became some of the most recited verses in China at that time. Upon release from prison, Wang became a national hero.

After the formation of the Republic, Wang continued to assist Sun Yat-sen, and wrote most of the Guomindang policies and declarations. Upon Sun’s death, Wang became the first Chairman of the Republic, and in 1932, the President of the Executive Yuan. In 1938, as Guomindang’s Deputy-General, Wang openly negotiated peace with the Japanese. In 1940, the Reorganized National Government is established in Nanjing with Wang as premier and chairman, in opposition to Chiang Kai-shek’s government in Chongqing.

In 1944, Wang Jingwei died in Nagoya, Japan.

Wang left behind numerous writings. In addition to his poetry collection Shuangzhaoloushicigao, he expressed his political views and attitudes in many essays. He once said: “My speeches and writings are the truest form of my life story. There is no need for any other autobiography.”