The Chinese Public Opinions In The 1920s And 1930s Towards Germany And The Sino-Germany Relationship

In the 1920s and 1930s, the Sino-Germany relationship plays an important and unique part in the history of modern Chinese foreign relations. In terms of depth, the cooperation between China and Germany is comparable to that of the Sino-US relationship in later time. However, the study on Sino-Germany relationship for that period of time has not been given as much attention as that of Sino-US, Sino- Soviet Union and Sino- Japan relations, let alone the lack of systematical study on the Chinese's recognition toward Germany. From the perspective of mass media, this thesis discusses development of Sino-Germany relationship and the change of Chinese's recognition towards Germany in the 1920s and 1930s by systematically studying the Takunpao and Oriental Magazine, which had a comparably large reader base and commentary style, and became a good representation of the public opinion at the time.The thesis comprises of four parts except for the introduction and conclusion: Part one focuses on the Chinese's recognition toward Germany as admirers, including the post-war renaissance of Germany, the inspiration of German- style to Chinese as well as the boost of Sino- Germany relationship with the visit of Germany military advisory panel. Part two discusses the Chinese's recognition toward Germany with the background of the tension between China and Japan at the time, which includes Chinese's attitude toward Hitler, Nazi, fascism and its followers. This part also includes Chinese's recognition in respect of Germany's expansion and the Germany-Japan relationship at the time. Part three covers Chinese's learning from Germany's pragmatism, which includes that the Chinese was attracted and inspired by the high efficiency of Germany and its fascism as well as Chiang kai-shek imitation of the fascism, with the background that the nation's future was in danger. Part four discusses Chinese's understanding toward the Sino-Germany and Germany- Japan relationship after the break out of China- Japan War and the performance of Germany in World Warâ…¡.In the 1920s and 1930s, the Sino-Germany relationship went through three stages:the honeymoon between China and Germany; the cold-shoulder period of the Sino- Germany relationship; and finally the break-up of the two countries. However, no matter in which period of the relationships, both China and Germany guided its foreign policies based on the national interests. Overall, the changes of Chinese's perception toward Germany are concluded as follows:first, Chinese was attracted most by Germany's post-war renaissance and Germany's success inspired them as they would like to recover Chinese economy promptly, break the unfair treaties and eventually gain respect from the international community as did by the German. Second, to the Chinese, the image of Germany had become a deceitful, arrogant country that cares only for its national interests from a friendly, selfless role-model. Third, because of the close relationship between Germany and Japan, the Chinese, no matter how unsatisfied they are, managed not to cross the line when dealing with the Sino-Germany relationship. Chinese tried to avoid infuriate or condemn Germany and therefore maintained the Sino-Germany relationship and gained its support. It is expected that, from the perspective of mass media, the thesis could contribute to the understanding of the development of Sino-Germany relationship in the 1920s and 1930s and provide a supplement to the study on the foreign relations in the modern Chinese history.