Political Science Clique

Political Science Clique
政學系
LeaderZhang Qun, Huang Fu
Notable membersWeng Wenhao
Tsiang Tingfu
Chang Kia-ngau
Wang Shijie
Yang Yongtai
Preceded byOld Political Science Clique, European Studies Association[1]
IdeologyThree Principles of the People
Liberalism (Chinese)
Chinese nationalism
Technocracy[2]
Political positionCenter
National affiliationKuomintang

Political Science Clique (Chinese: 政學系), also known as the New Political Science Clique or the Department of Political Science, was a faction within the Kuomintang led by Zhang Qun. The faction consisted of various diplomats, bankers, bureaucrats, and scholars of the Republic of China. The clique represented the interests of the Chinese gentry and landowner class.[3] It was also composed of the moderate and liberal[4] wing of the Kuomintang who were committed to following Sun Yat-sen and the Three Principles of the People.[5]

History

In the early Beiyang government, the Political Science Clique was routed from Duan Qirui's inner circle who were additionally members of the Anfu Club. It had also been composed of the European Studies Association, which was a group of political scientists and scholars such as Chen Jiongming, Li Liejun, Xiong Kewu, and Chen Duxiu, some of whom had formed the association while in exile in Tokyo.[6]

In 1926, Huang Fu, an early member of the Old Political Science Clique, was invited by Chiang Kai-shek during the Northern Expedition to put forward suggestions on a new system of government for China following the Kuomintang's full conquest of the Beiyang government. It was here in which he formed the New Political Science Clique with Zhang Qun, Yang Yongtai, Xiong Shihui, and Wu Tiecheng.[7]

In 1936, following the assassination of Yang Yongtai and the death of Huang Fu, Zhang Qun emerged as the leader of the clique.[8] The Political Science Clique would grow in power within the government with various members being appointed to positions within the cabinet. Zhang Qun himself served as Vice Premier and the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the late 30s and early 40s. During this time, Zhang continued to appeal towards a growing class of Chinese intellectuals within the Kuomintang who themselves disagreed with the Chinese Communist Party.[9]

In 1946, Zhang Qun and various other members of the Political Science Clique were appointed to a commission George C. Marshall and Albert Coady Wedemeyer in their failed mission to create a coalition government in China between the Kuomintang and the CCP. In 1947, Zhang was also appointed as Premier of China but was said to have been ignored by Wedemeyer in their discussions.[10]

Downfall

In March 1947, the CC Clique lead by brothers Chen Lifu and Chen Guofu attacked the Political Science Clique directly and the Chinese government, claiming "rampant corruption" and "low-efficiency of administration", chiefly aimed at Zhang Qun and his cabinet. The CC Clique has prior attacked the Political Science Clique in 1946 as a Kuomintang Central Committee meeting, claiming the clique had "sold out the country and its people."[11][12]

In 1948, Zhang Qun resigned from his position as premier, enabling the downfall of the clique's influence in China. Following this, various other members such as Chang Kia-ngau resigned from their high-level bureaucratic positions in government.[13]

References

  1. ^ Zhi-yu, Wang. "First exploration of the European Studies Association (1914-1916)". National Library of Dissertations and Theses in Taiwan. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  2. ^ White, Theodore (1946). Thunder Out Of China. William Sloane Associates, Inc. Retrieved 26 April 2026.
  3. ^ "Political Conflict in China" (PDF). Office of Strategic Services. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  4. ^ Lutze, Thomas D. (2007). China's inevitable revolution : rethinking America's loss to the Communists. New York : Palgrave Macmillan. p. 82. ISBN 978-1-4039-7977-3. Retrieved 26 April 2026.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
  5. ^ Chen, Ben Hong. "十六、政学系探". Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  6. ^ Li Songlin. Dictionary of the History of the Kuomintang. Anhui People's Publishing House. ISBN 7-212-00630-0.
  7. ^ "The April 1947 Reorganization of the Chinese Government 1947-05-26: Iss 5". The Internet Archive. University Publications of America. 26 May 1947. Retrieved 26 April 2026.
  8. ^ "版出社版出南華" (PDF). 編斯翰. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  9. ^ Deng, Ye (2011). Coalition government and one-party tutelage. Beijing: Social Sciences and Academic Press. ISBN 978-7-5097-2784-3. Retrieved 9 January 2026.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
  10. ^ Lieberman, Henry (1947). "CHINESE LIBERALS FACE NEW ATTACK; Group Is Said to Have Lost Prestige When Wedemeyer Did Not Consult Leaders". New York Times. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  11. ^ Lieberman, Henry (1947). "REGIME IN NANKING OPENLY CRITICIZED; Right Wing Clique's Paper Bold in Its Accusation Despite Presumptive Controls". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  12. ^ CIA Reading Room cia-rdp82-00457r000600620002-9: POLITICAL INFORMATION: GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION. State Department. 12 June 1947. p. 2. Retrieved 26 April 2026.
  13. ^ Lieberman, Henry (1948). "CHINESE PREMIER LEAVES FOR 'REST'; Reluctant to Continue in Post, Chang Instructs Deputy to Prepare for Successor". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 January 2026.

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