CHINA IN LONDON.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5248, 18 April 1908, Page 5 (Supplement)

CHINA IN LONDON.

WHAT LORD LI’S COMING MEANS The recent appointment of Lord Li Chingfong as Chinese Minister to Loudon is one of the most significant signs of the awakening of China.

The new Minister is a reformer, and a keen advocate of Western methods. He is accompanied by several young men, the sons of rich and high-class Chinese, who have come to study our ways. A body of other students, picked men from all parts of the Empire, are now investigating arid learning here, under the diroct supervision of the Legation. These students number between 180 anil 150.

Tho great house in Portlundplace which is the official Chinese headquarters in London is being transformed. Its old-time sleepy Oriental atmosphere has changed almost to the bustle of a groat financial house.

An eminent European Chinese authority, in discussing the matter, sairl :

" The fact that Lord I,i is accompanied by many young Chinamen is significant. It means that the barriers between East and West arc breaking down rapidly. China wants Western learning. Everywhere our young men are studying the new learning.

" China to-day stands where Japan stood thirty years ago. We believe that her advance will be more rapid than anything the world has yet witnessed.

" Why has the change come about? Because of the pressure bv the i>cople upon the Government. Our great merchants and best officials have become convinced that our only hope is in reform.

"Of the political aspect of the change, this can he said : China recognises that dangers threaten her territorial integrity. China would greatly value and gratefully regard the moral support of England and of America at this time. Tho idea that China is an active menace to is to retain our own, and to develop our land in accordance with the best the West is a chimera. All wo want wisdom of humanity." Mail."