The Speech of Chinese Delegates at the Paris Peace Conference

Introduction

The Paris Peace Conference, held from 1919 to 1920, was convened to negotiate the treaties that would formally end World War I. China, one of the victorious states, was also present at the conference as a member of the \"Big Four\" powers. In this historic event, the Chinese representatives delivered a series of speeches, voicing their concerns and expectations on various issues. This article will focus on the highlights of the Chinese delegates' speeches at the Paris Peace Conference.

Partition of Shandong

One of the most debated topics at the conference was the disposition of German-held territories in China. The Chinese delegation demanded the restoration of sovereignty over these former German influences, especially in Shandong Province, which was occupied by Japanese troops during the war. However, the Treaty of Versailles, as signed by the Allies, authorized Japan to assume Germany's rights in the area, despite China's objections.The Chinese delegates' speeches on the partition of Shandong were impassioned and eloquent. They argued that the transfer of former German concessions in China to Japan was against the principles of justice and violated China's inherent rights as a sovereign nation. They also pointed out that Japan's brutal colonial rule in Korea and Taiwan should serve as a warning to the international community.

The Principle of Equal Rights

The Chinese delegates also strongly advocated for the principle of equal rights, which was included in President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points. This principle advocated for the equal treatment of all nations, regardless of their size or power. The Chinese delegation argued that unequal treaties had long plagued China, and that equal treatment would promote world peace and stability.The Chinese representatives believed that the Versailles Treaty did not adequately address the issue of equal rights. They pointed out that the Treaty, despite advocating for equal treatment, failed to grant China the equal status it deserved. They also criticized the lack of representation of non-Western countries in the decision-making process of the conference.

League of Nations

The Chinese delegation also expressed their support for the establishment of the League of Nations, which was hailed as a revolutionary addition to the international system. They believed that the League would provide a platform for nations to settle disputes peacefully and promote cooperation among nations. Moreover, they hoped that the League would provide equal representation for all nations, regardless of their power or wealth.The Chinese representatives also proposed that the League should have a specialized organization to deal with issues related to China, as China had suffered greatly from the unequal treaties and needed a platform to voice their grievances.In conclusion, the speeches of the Chinese delegates at the Paris Peace Conference were a testament to China's determination to regain its sovereignty and promote peace and justice. Despite the limited success achieved at the conference, the Chinese delegation's speeches laid the foundation for China's future endeavors in the international arena.