巴黎和会中国代表发言英文（The Paris Peace Conference and the Speeches of Chinese Representatives）

The Paris Peace Conference and the Speeches of Chinese Representatives

Introduction

The Paris Peace Conference, convened in 1919 after the end of World War I, aimed to establish a new international order, redraw the map of Europe and address the issues of self-determination, disarmament, and reparations. A total of 32 nations were invited to participate in the conference, including China, which sent a delegation led by Foreign Minister Lou Tseng-Tsiang. The Chinese delegation had several key objectives, such as the recognition of Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rejection of the unequal treaties and the protection of the Chinese diaspora. In this article, we will focus on the speeches made by Chinese representatives at the conference and analyze their significance.

The Speech of Lu Zhengxiang

One of the most famous speeches delivered by a Chinese representative at the Paris Peace Conference was that of Lu Zhengxiang, the Chinese ambassador to France. Lu's speech, entitled \"The Question of the Shantung Peninsula,\" addressed the issue of the disposition of German territories in China, particularly the Shandong (previously known as Shantung) province, which was leased to Germany in 1898 by the Qing government. Lu argued that the return of Shandong to China was a matter of national sovereignty and justice, and that the acceptance of the Japanese proposal to transfer the province to them was a violation of the principle of self-determination. Lu's speech was widely hailed in China as a courageous defense of national interests and a challenge to the great powers.

The Speech of Wellington Koo

Another prominent Chinese representative at the Paris Peace Conference was Wellington Koo, who later became the ambassador to the United States and then the Republic of China's first permanent representative to the United Nations. Koo, who was only 30 years old at the time, was regarded as a rising star in Chinese diplomacy and had a good command of English. Koo delivered several speeches at the conference, including one on the question of the Chinese-Japanese relationship. Koo argued that the unequal treaties and the aggression of Japan against China violated the principles of international law and morality, and that the Chinese people had suffered enough from foreign interference and exploitation. Koo's speeches helped to raise awareness of China's plight and to mobilize public opinion against Japan.

The Speech of Cao Rulin

Cao Rulin was another member of the Chinese delegation to the Paris Peace Conference and a prominent scholar and politician in China. Cao's speech, entitled \"The Question of the Chinese Diaspora,\" addressed the issue of the treatment of Chinese abroad, particularly in countries such as the United States and Canada where they faced discrimination and racism. Cao argued that the Chinese diaspora was an integral part of the Chinese nation and that their rights should be protected by international law. Cao also pointed out the hypocrisy of the great powers, who advocated the principles of equality and justice but did not apply them to the Chinese people. Cao's speech was a powerful condemnation of imperialism and racism and helped to raise the issue of the Chinese diaspora to the international level.

Conclusion

The speeches made by Chinese representatives at the Paris Peace Conference were significant not only for their content but also for their symbolism. By speaking out against imperialism, aggression, and discrimination, Chinese representatives challenged the dominant narrative of the great powers and asserted the dignity and sovereignty of the Chinese nation. These speeches also helped to mobilize public opinion in China and abroad and to pave the way for the anti-imperialist and national liberation movements that followed. Today, the legacy of these speeches remains relevant as China continues to pursue a more assertive foreign policy and to defend its national interests on the global stage.