Hu Shi and Sino-American Cultural Exchange

Abstract

Hu Shi was an important figure in the history of Sino-American cultural exchange. He himself went to the United States seven times to study, work, and live—a total of approximately twenty-five years. He received systematic training in American higher education and learning, and was deeply influenced by American culture. He made many friends in various circles of American society and established broad social contacts in and outside the U.S. government. He spoke numerous times to the American public about Chinese culture, Chinese history, and Sino-American relations in order to help them better understand China. He assumed the Chinese ambassadorship to the United States during China's War of Resistance Against Japan and made outstanding contributions to Sino-American cooperation and joint opposition to Japanese fascism. He served at the China Foundation for the Promotion of Education and Culture (abbreviated as China Foundation) for decades, and was one of the main decision makers in the Sino-American cooperative relationship in education and culture. These were not only important activities in Hu Shi's own life, but also significant events in Sino-American relations. This article is a systematic study of the relationship between Hu Shi and Sino-American cultural exchange with three parts: (1) Hu Shi in the United States; (2) How Hu Shi introduced American culture to the Chinese people and spread American culture among the Chinese people; (3) How Hu Shi introduced Chinese culture and history to the American people and his outstanding efforts in promoting joint opposition to Japanese fascism between the Chinese and American people.