Wang fengzao

Wang fengzao

Wang fengzao (1851-1918) was named Zhifang and Yunzhang. Yuanhe, Jiangsu, graduated from English class of Tongwen library. He was once an official of translation and compilation, and was awarded the title of imperial concubine in 1883. On July 29, 1891, he was the acting imperial envoy in Japan. On July 9, 1892, he was officially appointed imperial envoy to Japan.

personal information

Wang fengzao (1851-1918), Wang fengzao, Yun Zhang. Yuanhe, Jiangsu, graduated from English class of Tongwen library. He was a compiler of translation books. He wrote an English grammar book, examples of grammar, and translated public law, English grammar, political economy, etc. In 1883, he was granted the title of imperial scholar in the Imperial Academy; on July 29, 1891, he was given the title of imperial envoy in Japan by the Imperial Academy. On July 9, 1892, he was officially appointed imperial envoy to Japan.

Character experience

Experience after 1894

In 1894, the Korean Dongxue party revolted. In order to encourage the Qing government to send troops, Japan deliberately spread the air of "no other intention". On June 3, the Qing government sent troops to North Korea as soon as the king of North Korea arrived.

In June, Wang fengzao telegraphed Li Hongzhang that Japan had secretly sent troops to the DPRK.

On June 7, Wang fengzao wrote a note to Japanese Foreign Minister Lu aozongguang about China's sending troops to Korea in accordance with the instructions of the Qing government and the special article of the 1885 Tianjin conference. The note said: "protecting the state" is the "old rule" of the Qing Dynasty; the purpose of sending troops is to calm down the "turmoil". After the chaos, "withdraw troops immediately, and do not stay on guard.". On the same day, Lu Ao, on behalf of the Japanese government, replied to him that he "does not recognize North Korea as a state under China" and asked him to ask the Qing government to change the word "state under China". Wang immediately "refused to accept the word.".

Since then, the Japanese side continued to send more naval and army troops to North Korea. Wang Fengqing government ordered that China should send troops at the request of North Korea, and Japan should never go deep into the interior of North Korea without the request of the king of North Korea, so as to avoid military conflict between China and Japan. The Japanese side claimed that its troops were only for the protection of the embassy and the business people. After Wang "resisted" it reluctantly agreed to "withdraw from each other" after the chaos. Aware of Japan's ulterior motives, Wang continuously telegraphed Li Hongzhang on June 13 and 16 that Japan "intends to change the South Korean policy" and control North Korea.

On June 17, the Japanese government delivered to Wang an aggressive so-called joint suppression and rehabilitation measures. Wang felt that Japan had no intention of withdrawing its troops and immediately sent a telegram to his country. The Qing government was very embarrassed. If it agreed, Japan's plot to seize control of the DPRK would succeed; if it refused, it would be blamed for the loss of peace. Wang fengzao proposed "replacing the suppression with the recognition of the term". If Japan agrees, China will not lose its sovereignty. If it refuses, the blame for the loss of peace lies with Japan. He said that this policy should be implemented after China has added more troops to North Korea. However, this policy was not adopted.

On June 22, Wang fengzao, in accordance with the instructions of the Qing government, replied to the Japanese government with three opinions, avoided the controversial issue of "belonging to the state", refused to send Japanese troops, and still suggested that both sides withdraw their troops together. The Japanese side flatly refused. The direct negotiations between China and Japan have reached a deadlock.

After June 22, Wang fengzao had a clear idea of Japan's aggressive intentions. He repeatedly advocated "adding and pulling out heavy troops" and gave up the illusion of emphasizing the cessation of aggression. In mid July, according to intelligence, Wang proved that Japan's words and deeds were "different": on the surface, he "decided to withdraw troops and trade", and on the surface, he was still exporting grain and equipment to prepare for war. He asked the Qing government to prepare for the war as early as possible.

On July 25, the Sino Japanese war broke out. On July 29, the Qing government sent a telegram to Wang fengzao to withdraw the flag and return home.

Wang fengzao was originally a "Ci minister" with an elegant temperament. Negotiations with Japan are all based on the government's instructions. Although they have good words and good plans, they can not be used in the end. After returning to China, he was determined to pursue his official career, "no longer at home".