# XXI: My Recall to China explained — My Life in China and America

> Chapter companion for My Life in China and America by Yung Wing.

## What happens

Yung Wing is recalled to China by Viceroy Chang Chi Tung during the Sino-Japanese War. He proposes plans for a loan and military diversion, but they are thwarted by political rivalries. He returns to China, serves briefly under Chang Chi Tung, and then resigns. He later works on a national banking scheme and a railroad project, both of which fail. The chapter ends with his last efforts to help China.

## Themes in this chapter

### Patriotism and Loyalty to China

Yung Wing's love for China compels him to propose war plans and return to serve despite previous severance of ties.

### Political Reform and Revolution

Yung Wing presents radical ideas for reforming the administrative government to Chang Chi Tung and later works on a national bank scheme.

### Corruption and Personal Integrity

Yung Wing's plans are thwarted by political infighting and self-interest, yet he maintains his integrity and resigns from a sinecure.

### Modernization vs. Tradition

Yung Wing attempts to introduce modern financial and infrastructure systems (national bank, railroad) but faces resistance from traditional power structures.

## Character check-ins

### Yung Wing

Recalled to China by Viceroy Chang Chi Tung; proposes war plans, serves as secretary, and attempts banking and railroad projects.

### Chang Chi Tung

Viceroy who recalls Yung Wing and appoints him Secretary of Foreign Affairs; his plans are opposed by Li Hung Chang.

### Li Hung Chang

Viceroy who opposes Chang Chi Tung's war plans and the hypothecation of customs revenue for a loan.

### Chang Yen Hwan

Old friend and official who hosts Yung Wing in Peking and champions his national banking scheme.

### Ung Tung Hwo

President of the Treasury who supports Yung Wing's national banking scheme.

### Tsang Kwoh Fan

Mentioned as a predecessor of Chang Chi Tung who had a clear plan for China.

### Morrison Brown Yung

Yung Wing's older son, who enters Yale's Sheffield Scientific school.

### Bartlett G. Yung

Yung Wing's younger son, still in Hartford High School.

## Key lines

> He was as reticent and absorbent as a dry sponge.

Chang Chi Tung was completely unresponsive and took in information without giving any feedback.

_Describes Chang Chi Tung's reaction to Yung Wing's reform ideas._

> as I had no axe to grind, I did not make any attempt to run after my grindstone.

Since I had no personal agenda, I did not try to pursue the position further.

_Yung Wing explains his decision to resign from the secretaryship._

> China was too feeble and weak to take up the question and assert her own sovereign rights in the matter

China was too weak to challenge Germany's objection to the railroad route.

_Context for the failure of Yung Wing's railroad scheme._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_life_in_china_and_america_se/chapters/xxi-my-recall-to-china
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_life_in_china_and_america_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_life_in_china_and_america_se/chapters