The widow of former ROC president Chiang Kai-shek passed away in New York Oct. 23 at the age of 106. One of the world's most compelling and controversial Chinese women during the 1930s and 1940s, Chiang proved herself a dazzling politician who spoke fluent English with a Georgia accent which she used to exert overwhelming charm in lobbying Washington on behalf of China's Kuomintang government.
Arguably one of the most pivotal Chinese figures of the 20th century, her influence helped shape U.S. China policy during the Chinese civil war and the fight against imperial Japan during World War II. Chiang was the first Chinese national and the second woman ever to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress, where she helped secure billions of dollars in aid money for the Kuomintang.
"For many Americans, her finest moment came in 1943, when she barnstormed the United States in search of support for the Nationalist cause against Japan, winning donations from countless Americans who were mesmerized her passion, determination and striking good looks," wrote Seth Faison in the New York Times. "She seemed to many Americans to be the very symbol of the modern, educated, pro-American China they yearned to see emerge--even as many Chinese dismissed her as a corrupt, power-hungry symbol of the past they wanted to escape." Born Soong Mayling to the wealthy Soong family that dominated Chinese politics and finance during the first half of the 20th century, Chiang was the fourth of six children and the youngest of the legendary Soong sisters, all of whom married prominent Chinese men. Soong Ai-ling, her eldest sister, married Kung Hsiang-hsi, a financier who later became finance minister and ROC premier. Her other sister, Soong Ching-ling, married Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the 1911 Chinese revolution and the father of modern China.
Chiang was raised in the United States since moving there for boarding school at 11 years old. In 1917, she graduated with honors from Wellesley College with a major in English literature and minor in philosophy. In her senior year she was named a Durant Scholar, Wellesley's highest academic distinction. With her fluent English, she later served as English translator and advisor to her husband and became the generalissimo's leading spokeswoman in the West.
In 1934, Chiang started China's New Life Movement with an aim to revitalize traditional Chinese values. In 1936, she assumed the role of Secretary General of the Chinese Commission on Aeronautical Affairs. She continued to be immensely influential in the Nationalist government after the party relocated its capital to Taiwan in 1949 and was an honorary chair of the American Bureau for Medical Aid to China, as well as the British United Aid to China Fund. She was included among America's 10 most admired women through the late 1960s. Following her husband's death in 1975, Chiang retired to Manhattan where she lived the rest of her days.
Government leaders extended their condolences, while memorial services and an exhibition of some of Chiang's personal effects are being held at several locations in Taipei, including the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, so that the public can pay final respects. Visiting one of the memorials, Vice President Lu Hsiu-lien commented that Chiang's death is an event that marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new age. "Madame Chiang was a contemporary woman in an old time," said Lu, adding that she had been witness to three centuries of Chinese history.
Chen Chien-jen, the ROC representative to Washington, was asked to relay President Chen Shui-bian's personal sympathies to the Chiang family. Chen said the government would lend a hand in organizing the former first lady's funeral. Meanwhile, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York is keeping in close contact with Chiang's family to work out Chen's itinerary so that he can personally attend the funeral during a visit he is planning to New York.
Kuomintang Party Chairman Lien Chan, who just returned from a trip to the United States, expressed his deep sorrow for the Chiang family's loss and offered his party's assistance in making funeral arrangements. People First Party Chairman James Soong lauded the former first lady's achievements, such as helping the country to foster friendly ties with the world's leading powers during World War II and her devotion to aiding the underprivileged.
On behalf of the American people, U.S. President George W. Bush extended condolences to Chiang's family. He praised her as a close friend of the United States throughout her life. "Generations of Americans will always remember and respect her intelligence and strength of character," said Bush.
Last Update: November 4, 2003
