JCC Nationalist China
Chair: Thomas Lombardo
PO/Vice Chair: Daniel Roche
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Table of Contents
3. Letter from Chair
4. Members of Committee
7. Topics
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Letter from the Chair
Delegates,
My name is Thomas Lombardo, and I will be your chair for the Nationalist side of the
JCC Chinese Revolution. I’m excited to meet all of you, and to hear your ideas on how to solve
the issues that will be presented to you at LYMUN. This committee might be different than some
of the others that you have experienced, as this committee has only one topic that is incredibly
broad. By doing this, I hope to limit your ability to prepare for predictable events or crises that
may occur during the conference. I want all of you to think on your feet, and respond to a
quickly changing scenario instead of simply implementing a previously thought out plan.
You, the delegates, can expect a number of things in committee. Although this is a
training conference, this committee is supposed to be slated for more experienced delegates, so
there will be less of a focus on the basics of MUN. In terms of awards criteria, I am looking for a
number of things in a winning delegate. First, and perhaps most importantly, the winning
delegate will show that they are able to think on their feet, and respond pragmatically to all
crises thrown at the committee. I very much value creativity, but all plans presented and passed
by the committee should feasible. In addition to this, I do not believe in unnecessarily
backstabbing delegates, but I know that China must be held together at any cost. Speaking is a
major part of MUN, so all delegates should strive to give good and concise speeches. Basically, I
want to see the delegates that stand out in the committee. Winning delegates can be leaders,
writers, or any combination of the two.
For positions, some may have more personal powers than others. I shall simply expect
more from those who were given positions with more capabilities, and I shall make sure that no
one’s position will hinder their ability to debate or be a member of committee. Finally, it may be
challenging to find information on your position, but do not worry. I understand that there might
not be that much information available for certain positions, so I will not hold this fact against
you. Oh, I forgot to mention, our start date is January 1st, 1946. Good Luck!
Thomas Lombardo
If you have any questions, and for position papers, (due day of conference) email me at
lom500220@student.lths.net
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Members in Committee:
1. President of Legislative Yuan
The President of the Legislative Yuan heads the Legislative Yuan, which is similar to
parliament. This minister, working in tandem with the Vice President of the Legislative Yuan
and Chang Kai Shek, can propose new laws to the Legislative Yuan. If laws are passed by the
Legislative Yuan, and approved by Chang, the committee will have to act under these new laws.
However, it must be known to this minister that Chang Kai Shek trusts the members of this
committee much more than the Legislative Yuan, and is willing to veto any laws that he feels
will hinder this committee’s ability to assist him in beating the communists.
2. Vice President of the Legislative Yuan
Similar to the position of the president of the Legislative Yuan, this minister can propose
new laws to the Legislative Yuan to be debated and passed. Any laws proposed by this ministry
will have the same effect as that of the president. However, this minister must confer with the
President of the Legislative Yuan or Chang Kai Shek before proposing new laws to the
Legislative Yuan.
3. President of the Judicial Yuan
The President of the Judicial Yuan determines the legality of many actions of the
committee, and therefore can question the legality of any directives passed. By communicating
to Chang, Mr. Kai Shek will act accordingly to correct any possible “illegal actions” taken by the
committee.
4. Vice President of the Judicial Yuan
The Vice President of the Judicial Yuan can assist the President of the Judicial Yuan in
that minister’s duties. Also, this minister can call question the legality of any directives passed
with the approval of the President of the Judicial Yuan. Furthermore, this minister must
coordinate with the Minister of Justice and the President of the Examination Yuan to quell
internal corruption.
5. President of the Executive Yuan
The President of the Executive Yuan formally heads the departments of Foreign Affairs,
Defense, Finance, Justice, and more. However, this minister does not have the ability to veto the
aforementioned ministers’ decisions, and simply coordinates their efforts to ensure that the
government runs smoothly. Furthermore, the President of the Executive Yuan has effectively a
role similar to the Ministry of the Interior for this committee.
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6. Vice President of the Executive YuanThe Vice President of the Executive Yuan will assist the President of the Executive Yuan
in their mission, and also has control over the prisons of China.
7. Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Minister of Foreign Affairs has a very important role in this committee. This minister
can contact other countries around the world in the name of the Chinese Government, and should
use this ability to acquire any possible aid to fight the communists. The Minister of Foreign
Affairs should be well versed in diplomacy and the situation around the world after World War
Two, so they can negotiate with foreigners effectively.
8. Minister of Finance
The Minister of Finance heads the department of the Treasury in China. This minister
best understands the current financial climate in the country, and has the final say on any
decision that affects budgets or finance in the country. This minister must quell the rampant
inflation issue currently in China, and has a great deal of sway with the president due to the need
for a sound financial house.
9. Minister of National Defense
The Minister of National Defense has control over the military actions of the Chinese
army in the committee. The future of the military will be determined by this minister, and this
minister has the ability to move troops at their discretion. Obviously, as Chang Kai Shek has the
final say on all decisions of the government, this minister does not have total military power.
However, the president trusts their judgement, and will generally allow the minister some
autonomy.
10. President of the Examination Yuan
The President of the Examination Yuan is responsible for all new hires in the Chinese
government. This minister must work with the minister of Justice, President of the Control Yuan,
and the Vice President of the Justice Yuan, to quell corruption in the government.
11. President of the Control Yuan
The President of the Control Yuan primarily has to curtail the massive corruption
occurring in China, mainly in this government. This minister does not have defined powers in
this position, and can write notes to Chang and their subordinates to get this job done.
12. Head of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics
This minister heads what is synonymous to the ministry of Intelligence. This minister has
the ability to place spies behind enemy lines and gather exclusive information on the war. In
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addition to this, the minister can use his or her spies in any way they believe that will benefit
China.
13. Vice President of the Republic of China
The Vice President of the Republic of China is one of Chang Kai-Shek’s most trusted
advisors. Although this minister is not able to directly order any action, he wields great influence
over the president. Any note written to the president from the vice president would be seriously
considered, and might even influence or directly cause Chang to act in a certain way.
14. Vice Director-General of the Kuomintang
This minister directs the Kuomintang as a party, and ensures that China follows its great
leader. This minister is a master of propaganda, and holds a position similar to the minister of
communication in other cabinets.
15. Minister of Justice
This minister is not under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Yuan, but rather that of the
Executive. This is no matter, however, as the minister has limited autonomy in matters dealing
with justice. This minister controls the lower courts of the country, and ensures security of the
country by keeping law and order.
16. Minister of Science and Technology
This minister directs the scientific research of the nation of China. This minister has the
ability to fund new research and development projects, with the possibility of producing new
technology that could advance the war effort.
17. Minister of Labor
This minister expertly understands the plight of the working men and women of China,
and is considered to be the best possible middle man between the disconnected KMT
government and the people. The working class would be most likely to trust the Minister of
Labor over any other member of this body.
18. Minister of Agriculture
Similar to the Minister of Labor, the minister of Agriculture is considered the expert of
farmers and farming in the committee. Although this may sound like a minor job, many of Mao’s
troops started off as poor, unappreciated farmers. The minister of Agriculture is trusted most by
farmers in this committee, and is able to influence them most directly.
19. Minister of Transportation
This minister holds a crucial role in coordinating the efforts transporting the Army, as
most army transportation occurs over roads. This minister must insure that the Army can move
effectively and efficiently throughout the country by coordinating with the Minister of Defense.
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20. Minister of Health and Welfare- This minister is tasked with improving the health of the
nation, and to insure that the people remain as healthy as possible.
21. Minister of Economic Affairs-This minister helps the Minister of Finance regulate the
nation’s Finances, and further helps by regulating businesses and encouraging foreign
investments.
22. Minister of Industry- This minister coordinates with other financial ministers to regulate,
streamline, and spur the growth of all industries in China.
23. Minister of Culture- This minister is tasked with ensuring the safety of the Chinese culture,
even these in times of war.
24. Soong Mei-ling (Wife of Chang Kai Shek)-Although the wife of Chang Kai Shek holds no
formal title at this time, her sway over him is very real. As the sister in law of Sun Yat Sen, she
has an important family. The First Lady of the Republic of China holds great sway over the
decisions of the President, a power that should not be forgotten.
25. National Security Council Secretary General- This minister is called into duty when the
country is in grave danger, as it is now. It is this minister’s job to coordinate the efforts of all
other security officials in the country, and further recommend general security ideas to Chang.
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Dissolution of the Qing and Beginning of Republican China
In 1912, the last dynasty of china, the Qing dynasty, formally
dissolved. This event was the culmination of both internal and external
problems that the Qing Dynasty did not handle effectively, including the
Boxer Rebellion, the Sino-Japanese War, the creation of all of the Unequal
Treaties, and more. The Qing’s stubborn refusal to modernize the country
disillusioned many in China, as many European countries were able to
dominate China due to this fact. Much of the revolution was instigated and
lead by a man named Sun Yat-sen, a western educated intellectual who
advocated for a republican form of government. Yat-sen was very
historically important to China, as he created the Three Principles of the People. These
principles, which are Nationalism, Socialism, and Democracy eventually would be a driving
force in Chinese politics, and should be understood for their importance.
Yuan Shikai, a warlord general called into service by the Qing
Dynasty to quell the eventually successful revolution, became the first
president of the newly founded republic. In addition to the president,
early republican China had a parliament. From the start of his
presidency, Shikai clashed with members of parliament who were part
of the Koumintang, the Nationalist Party of China. The Koumintang
(also known as the known as the KMT) and other parties in parliament
attempted to form a permanent constitution for China, an act that Yuan
opposed. After assassinating multiple political leaders, Shikai
dissolved the government, dismissed his cabinet, and essentially
became a dictator. Yuan reigned for only four years, and died of
serious illness in 1916 after an unsuccessful bid to become emperor.
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World War 1 and the Establishment of the CCP
After Yuan Skikai’s death, power in China split between two men, Li Yuanhong (The
President) and Duan Qirui, (the premier). These two men, and in turn the rest of China, could not
agree on if they should enter the World War One, with Yuanhong against entering the war and
Qirui in favor of entering it. After a political crisis, Qirui seized control of the government, and
China entered the war on the side of the Allies. As all of this was happening, Sun Yat-sen
attempted to set up another government in the south of China, as a revolt against the quasidictatorship of Duan Qirui. This revolution did eventually fail, yet it was important due to the
polarizing effects it had on China.
Japan further humiliated and took advantage of China after World War One, as many of
the post war treaties, including the Treaty of Versailles, cemented Japan’s gains on mainland
China during the war. Countries chose to side with Japan over China because of Japan’s greater
involvement in the war, and also because Japan was becoming more militarily aggressive and
needed to be appeased.
After losing badly to Japan in World War One, students in China were angry with the
current government’s weak response to foreign
incursions, and organized a large protest on May 4th.
These students and scholars did not believe that the
current government was leading the country in the right
direction, and that a Westernized, modern, and
democratic China was necessary to ensure the country’s
success.
In
response,
the
Chinese
government
suppressed the major protests in the country and
arrested many active participants, but the damage was
already done. Once these new ideas were out there, they gained traction, and became the basis
for many new political discussions. These discussions, in turn, yielded a new force in Chinese
politics that would eventually overtake the entire country, called communism.
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Li Dazhao, a member of the May 4th protests, started the Chinese Communist Party
(CCP), and with the help of representatives from the Soviet Union, the party began to grow. One
of the earliest members of the party was a young Mao Zedong, who would eventually become
the leader of the party. Even though membership was growing and the newly founded Soviet
Union was assisting the CCP, the party could not make a meaningful impact on China alone.
Finally, being in the CCP was dangerous in China during this time, as the provisional warlord
leaders suppressed their activities.
The CCP, KMT, and the Start of the Civil War
To unite all of China, Soviet representatives pushed for a union
between the CCP and the KMT, who were currently lead by Sun Yatsen. After some debate, Yat-sen agreed to accept the communists on an
individual basis, and together the coalition set about uniting all of the
country. The Soviets, who wanted to see a unified China, sent aid to the
KMT/CCP coalition. This aid, along with superior manpower, allowed
the coalition to militarily unify all of southern China, and remove the
ruling warlords.
Sun Yat-sen died in 1925, and was succeeded by a general named Chang Kai-shek, the
current ruler of China. To remove the weak national government and strong remaining warlords
in the north of China, Chang launched an offensive known as the Northern Expedition. The
KMT and CCP had no trouble steamrolling over the warlords in the north, as they had superior
numbers, organization, and training. However, after defeating a large group of warlords, Chang
initiated a purge of all of the communists in the coalition, an event that became known as “the
White Purge.” Hundreds of thousands of people died in this purge, and even though it was a
setback for the Northern Expedition, Chang was still able to beat a majority of the warlords and
unify the country. However, his purge of the Communists started the long Civil War that
continues today.
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Civil War, the Long March, and Japanese Aggression (1931-1937)
As the 1930’s progressed, the situation in China only got worse. To add to the troubles of
a Civil War with the communists in the south, the Japanese invaded and captured parts of
Manchuria. Chang’s popularity greatly declined during
this time, as he and the Nationalists tried to focus all of
their energy on the communists, instead of fighting the
Japanese invaders. Although much of the public turned
against him, the KMT did inflict heavy losses on the
CPC.
One of the best examples of the KMT’s military
superiority can be seen in a campaign that ended with a
6000 mile retreat from the southern providence of Jiangxi to northern China, which is called the
Long March. Much of the CCP army was destroyed in this event, but it also helped Mao Zedung
come to power due to a power vacuum. In addition to this, the CCP forces recruited and
influenced many of the countryside peasants during the Long March, causing public opinion to
further sway in favor of the Communists.
Xi’an Incident and the Second Sino-Japanese War
By the end of 1936, many in China were in favor of suspending
the Civil War to fight the Japanese, who had continued to make gains in
Manchuria. Chang Kai-shek was not, and ordered new vicious attacks on
the communists. He largely ignored the Japanese issue, as he wanted to
fully crush the communists before engaging the Japanese. Chang’s own
generals even disagreed with him, and after continual pressure from all
sides, his subordinates arrested him and forced him to create an alliance
with the communists.
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In 1937, the Japanese formally invaded China, and soon controlled large swathes of
territory. The alliance between the KMT and CCP did not do much, and really was just an
uneasy peace fire rather than an alliance. By 1941, even this uneasy truce dissolved, when KMT
forces opened fire on the CCP. As the conflict between the two groups intensified, the Soviet
Union and United States attempted to quell the flames of Civil War, and were able to ensure
peace between the two groups for the rest of the war.
Post World War Two Issues
By the end of the war, the Soviet Union had
invaded Manchuria to remove the Japanese from this area,
and the United States ordered that the Japanese surrender
to the KMT forces in China. The Soviets, however, did not
allow this, and began to take many of the resources and
materials of Manchuria to rebuild their own country.
Chang Kai-shek realized that the CCP would take over the
region pending Soviet departure, and had many troops
airlifted to key cities in the north by Americans to prevent
this from happening. Currently, much of the countryside is
controlled by communists, while the nationalists control
many of the major cities in Manchuria. This area is still up for contention.
World War Two had many detrimental effects
for the KMT in China. First of all, the Communists
gained much popular support throughout the war, as
they had very little territory to defend and engaged in
guerilla war tactics, so their victories appeared to be
more courageous and plentiful than the KMT’s. In
addition to this, the KMT’s forces were greatly
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damaged in the costly war with the Japanese, so any future conflict will be a challenge.
China is currently in a period of hyperinflation due to financial mismanagement during
the war, a fact that is turning many people away from the KMT and towards the Communists.
Along with hyperinflation, the rampant corruption that has plagued the KMT at many levels of
government for years has caused much public distrust in China. Also, the corruption has made
communism seem much more of an attractive idea to those disillusioned with the current state of
Chinese government, since the KMT’s inability to govern effectively only proves the need for a
change to many citizens.
Questions To Consider:
How will your character want to react to the current situation in China?
Is forming/maintaining a coalition government with the Communists possible? What concessions
would have to be made? What must be done to ensure this government will survive?
If a compromise cannot be made, what is the best way to win the war?
What about popular support? How can we convince the doubtful public that the current
government is the way to go?
Additional resources:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/chinese-civil-war.htm
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/chinese-rev
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Chinese_Civil_War
http://fanaru.com/doge/image/18361-doge-follow-your-dreams.jpg
http://www.britannica.com/place/China/Cultural-life#toc71792
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Sino-Japanese_War
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Bibliography:
"Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975)." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 17 Nov.
2015.
"China." Encyclopedia Britannica Online.. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.
Web. 17 Nov. 2015.
"Chinese Civil War." New World Encyclopedia. New World
Encyclopedia, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.
"The Chinese Revolution of 1949 - 1945–1952 - Milestones - Office of
the Historian." US Department of State. Us Department of State, n.d.
Web. 17 Nov. 2015.
"The Chinese Revolution of 1949 - 1945–1952." US Department of
State-Office of the Historian. Us Department of State, n.d. Web. 17 Nov.
2015.
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