Author:
CHEN Qian, Associate Professor, The Liberal Arts School, Renmin University.
Abstract:
The Chen Chih Hui was regarded as "the most effective secret fraternity established by Chinese students abroad". With extensive ties to organizations such as the Young Men's Christian Association, China Foundation for the Promotion of Education and Culture, China Institute in America and the Institute of Pacific Relations, and a membership occupying important positions in various fields, this society emerged as a significant force in shaping modern Chinese ideologies, social structure, educational systems and cultural development. However, due to its secretive nature, historical records and academic research on it remain fragmented and scarce. Chen Chih Hui's reformist principles, including "saving the nation through industry", "empowering the people through education" and "revitalizing the country through academic research", represented an early 20th century exploration of Chinese development models. The Chen Chih Hui provides a supplementary perspective in reconsidering historical events and relationships during China's modernization.
Keywords:
Chen Chih Hui, Modern Chinese History, History of Chinese Overseas Students, Social Transformation, Cultural Exchanges between China and Foreign Countries
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