Biography of Wu Tingfang

Author: Ding Xianjun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: Wu Tingfang was one of the pioneers who sought truth from the West to save China before Sun Yat-sen. He was 24 years older than Sun Yat-sen and could be considered a senior of Sun in terms of studying abroad. He completed his studies at St. Paul's College in the 1860s and participated in the planning of China and Foreigns and China Daily. In 1874, he traveled to London at his own expense to study law at Lincoln's Inn and obtained a law license. In 1878, he was appointed as a Justice of the Peace by the Hong Kong government, and in 1880, he became a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council. When Wu obtained the above qualifications and "honors," Sun Yat-sen had just left Cuiheng Village and went to study in Honolulu with his older brother Sun Mei. Wu's career as a lawyer in Hong Kong suffered humiliation, which made him deeply realize that without the strength of the motherland, overseas honors would not help save the country or benefit the people. In 1882, he decisively returned to his homeland and joined the Beiyang Court. He translated Western laws, handled negotiations, managed railways, revised laws, and served as an ambassador. Over 30 years of political career, he rose to the rank of second rank official and made some reforms. In the end, he gained the sentiment of "thirty years of achievements turning to dust and soil." Wu Tingfang's unyielding integrity kept pace with the times, making his life shine brilliantly in his later years. During the Chen Jiagming rebellion, he fell ill from worry and died in his office. Before his death, he passionately delivered his life experiences to people at home and abroad: China needs revolution, and revolution needs Sun Yat-sen to lead. This life experience not only inspired people to move forward at the time but also provided enlightenment for later generations studying the bourgeoisie revolution and Sun Yat-sen.