Abstract:

Although both LU Zheng-xiang and GU Wei-jun were outstanding professional diplomats in modern China, they had totally different fortunes in life. LU had experienced the trough period when China had the lowest international status in history and tasted the bitterness in foreign affairs on behalf of a weak nation before he dealt with a great many major diplomatic affairs in the late Qing Dynasty and the early years of the Republic of China. However, keeping a low profile, he bore responsibility and blame with great resilience. In contrast, GU Wei-jun enjoyed great fame and had a legendary life, which witnessed China’s rising in diplomatic affairs and climbing up towards a great power in the world. LU’s experience of participating in international organizations on behalf of China provided an important lesson for GU in modern times. Both of them attached importance to public international laws, spared no efforts to protect the national rights and emphasized the importance of defending Japan in the diplomatic strategy and fought continuously against Japanese diplomats in diplomatic battles. GU was a rare talent in diplomatic affairs, whereas LU represented the features of diplomacy of China as a weak nation in the late Qing Dynasty and the early years of the Republic of China. Their life experiences not only denote the shift from one generation to another, but also demonstrate the complex course and transformation of domestic politics and foreign affairs.

Key words: LU Zheng-xiang, GU Wei-jun, Paris Peace Conference of 1919, professional diplomats