A Brief Account Of The Relationship Between The Beijing Chamber Of Commerce And The Japanese Puppet Regime During The Fall Of The Japanese Occupation

The chamber of Commerce is set up by the late Qing Dynasty government and businessmen for the development of industry.The activities of the chamber of Commerce are not limited to the interior of the organization.The chamberhave played an important role in in the politics,economy and social changes.They participated deeply in the twists and turns of the modernization process of China,and developed a inseparable relationship with the whole society.The relationship between the chamber of commerce and the government is intricate and shows different characteristics in different periods.During the fall,Japan supported the pseudo-regime for colonial rule and economic plunder.They retained the Beijing Chamber and used this chamber to implement its political control and economic control policies.As for the economy,the puppet government relied on the chamber to conduct business surveys,hold the fair,sell foods and provide information.As for the politics,the puppet government promulgated the "Chamber of Commerce Law" to strengthen the control of the chamber,developedthe Xinminhuito control the chamber,used the chamber to propaganda security strengthening campaign.The Beijing Chamber of Commerce has demonstrated cooperation and assistance in this kind of domination of the puppet government.In the material control,the chamber assisted in controlling prices,actively participated in the combination and material rationing.In the political control,the chamber issued identity certificates and participated in donations.However,the Beijing Chamber of Commerce did not completely become the tool of the puppet regime of Japan.They still perform their own duties.They carried on negotiations with the puppet regime on behalf of the business,bailed businessmen and strove for tax concessionsto safeguard the interests of businessmen.They coordinated the commercial operation and provided business information to maintain market order.Besides,the chamber took an active part in the social relief,such as the flood in 1939 and perennial relief.