Podcast appearances and mentions of wang jun

Last time we spoke about the battle of Shanggao. From late March to early April 1940, Japanese forces attacked Shanggao in Jiangxi with a multi‑pronged offensive. Chinese commanders used elastic defense and coordinated counter-moves, trading space for time through layered positions until the Japanese advanced into prepared strongpoints. As the 34th Division moved toward the town, assaults repeatedly hit ridges and bridge lines held by the 74th Corps. Heavy air strikes caused chaos, but timely flank redeployments prevented a decisive breakthrough. During the crisis around March 21–24, Chinese units maneuvered an encirclement and executed a controlled breakout at the critical moment. After intense fighting and bombing, the Japanese were routed and fell back to their original positions. The wider war did not change, yet Shanggao proved that disciplined Chinese planning could reverse Japanese offensives against superior initiative and numbers.   #207 Battle of Zhongtiao Mountain Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. By the spring of 1941, the War of Resistance against Japan had been grinding for nearly four years, and the map of China looked increasingly like a wound. Japan controlled the coastal cities, the major river valleys, and most of the productive lowland plains of the north and east. The Nationalist government had retreated far inland to Chongqing, governing a rump state of mountainous hinterland, foreign sympathies, and diminishing resources. The war had long since ceased to look like a conventional conflict between organized fronts and had settled into something grimmer and more ambiguous — a slow war of attrition fought in the mud and rocks of the Chinese interior, punctuated by Japanese offensives designed not to end the war but to compress it, to squeeze the Nationalists tighter with each season until surrender became a rational calculation rather than a humiliation. Japan had tried other methods first. In the late 1930s, Tokyo made serious overtures to Chiang Kai-shek's government, proposing a negotiated settlement that would see China aligned with Japan and the puppet Wang Jingwei government elevated as the vehicle for that arrangement. Chiang refused. He had gambled, and would continue to gamble, that the war in Europe would eventually draw in the Western powers, that American patience with Japanese aggression would run out, and that time was ultimately on China's side. The strategy required suffering in the present to buy survival in the future. Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939 and the subsequent expansion of war across Europe only reinforced Japan's desire to accelerate its operations in China before the international situation made them impossible. By 1940, Japan signaled it intended to resolve the "China Incident" — the bureaucratic euphemism it used to avoid officially acknowledging that it was fighting a full-scale war — once and for all. The question was where. The front was hundreds of miles long. The Japanese army in China was stretched thin despite its nominal strength. Spectacular victories in the lowlands had failed to produce the political capitulation Tokyo expected. And in the mountains of Shanxi Province, a particular irritant had been festering for three years — one that the Japanese could neither ignore nor seem to dislodge. The Zhongtiao Mountains rise along the southern edge of Shanxi Province, running roughly east to west for some two hundred miles, forming a natural wall between the loess plateaus of Shanxi and the plains of northern Henan below. The range is not dramatic by Chinese standards — it is not the soaring, cloud-piercing landscape of Sichuan or Yunnan — but it is rugged, deeply ridged, and extraordinarily difficult to move through quickly. For a defending army with knowledge of the terrain, the Zhongtiao range was close to ideal. For an attacker, especially one dependent on mechanized firepower and coordinated logistics, it was a nightmare. Chinese forces had occupied the Zhongtiao Mountains since 1938, following the fall of Taiyuan and the retreat of Nationalist forces from the broader Shanxi campaign. At a moment when much of northern China was collapsing around them, the garrison there dug in and refused to move. Over the following three years, the Japanese Army mounted thirteen separate offensives against the Zhongtiao position. All thirteen failed. The mountains held. Chinese soldiers would later call it the "Eastern Maginot Line," a nickname that was simultaneously a boast and, in retrospect, a warning — the original Maginot Line, after all, had also been considered impregnable until the enemy simply went around it. But the strategic importance of Zhongtiao went beyond prestige. The mountains commanded the northern approach to the Yellow River crossings — the great geographic boundary that separated Japanese-controlled northern China from the Nationalist-held central and western regions. From their positions in the mountains, Chinese troops could threaten Japanese supply lines, protect their own river logistics, and maintain at least a symbolic presence north of the Yellow River. As long as the Zhongtiao garrison held, Japan could not claim complete control of northern China. It was also a potential launching point for a Chinese counteroffensive, should one ever become possible. The Japanese understood this perfectly. By 1940, eliminating the Zhongtiao position had become not merely desirable but strategically necessary. The First War Zone command responsible for the Zhongtiao garrison was, at least on paper, an imposing force. Between 170,000 and 180,000 men were deployed across the mountain range and its approaches, drawn from multiple armies and organized into several large groupings. The 5th Army Group under Zeng Wanzhong held the central area. The 14th Army Group under Liu Maoen operated in the eastern sector. The 4th Army Group, known as the "Iron Pillar of Zhongtiao" for its tenacious defense of the position over three years, was stationed as the backbone of the force. Individual armies were spread across specific nodes: Pei Changhui's 9th Army at Jiyuan in northern Henan; Zhao Shiling's 43rd Army at Yuanqu at the southernmost tip of Shanxi; Tang Huaiyuan's 3rd Army and Kong Lingxun's 80th Army in the Wenxi and Xiaxian areas; Wu Shimin's 98th Army at Dongfeng Town; Wu Tinglin's 15th Army near Gaoping. The man responsible for holding all of this together was Wei Lihuang, a gifted commander and one of Chiang Kai-shek's most capable generals. Wei had organized the Zhongtiao defense from the beginning, and his strategic instincts were widely respected. He was, by most accounts, the indispensable figure in the garrison's survival. The problem was that Wei had made powerful enemies. His refusal to participate in anti-Communist friction operations — at a time when the Nationalist government was increasingly focused on neutralizing the Communists even at the cost of Japanese resistance — had alienated him from a circle of powerful rivals, including the influential Hu Zongnan. Outmaneuvered at court, Wei was summoned to Chongqing in early 1941 and, under the pretext of strategic consultations, was effectively detained at Mount Emei. He never returned to his command in the Zhongtiao Mountains. The army he had built was left without its architect. The garrison that remained was compromised far beyond its missing commander, however. Three years of static defense had created conditions that corroded military discipline in predictable and insidious ways. Supply lines were unreliable, rations were short, and the soldiers garrisoning remote mountain positions had turned, by necessity and then by habit, to the local economy to sustain themselves. A bustling illicit trade in grain and opium had sprung up across the mountain zone, with Chinese troops selling what they could and buying what they needed from merchants who operated equally comfortably on both sides of the Japanese-Chinese frontier. This was not merely a logistical failure. It meant that Japanese intelligence had abundant commercial cover to infiltrate the garrison area, that security was a fiction, and that the defensive posture of the entire force had quietly shifted from warlike readiness to something closer to bureaucratic occupation. The Japanese had not missed any of this. For months before the offensive, Japanese intelligence agents had worked their way into the garrison's supply networks, trading relationships, and eventually its command structure itself. Japanese special forces had identified key headquarters positions. Informants had mapped the positions of individual units, traced the routes between them, and assessed the readiness of the men holding them. By the spring of 1941, Japanese planners believed, with considerable justification, that they could paralyze the entire Chinese command system within an hour of opening fire. This was not boasting. It was reconnaissance. Back in Chongqing, the intelligence picture was worse than unclear — it was actively distorted. The Nationalist intelligence apparatus issued warnings about Japanese troop movements near the Zhongtiao perimeter in April 1941, but the warnings were partial, their significance disputed, and the political will to act on them absent. A series of conferences were convened at Luoyang, the regional headquarters. Fortification orders were issued. Additional supplies were promised. Almost none of the follow-through actually materialized. The garrison's most powerful formation, the 4th Army Group, had already been transferred away from the area. Its absence left a hole in the defensive line that no amount of paper orders could fill. On the Japanese side, the operation that would eliminate the Zhongtiao garrison was carefully and systematically prepared. It was codenamed the "Central Plains Campaign" — a name that reflected its true ambition, which was not merely to take a mountain range but to reshape the strategic geography of the entire region. The operation was assigned to the North China Area Army under Lieutenant General Tada Shun, an experienced commander who had studied the Zhongtiao problem for years and had a clear understanding of why previous offensives had failed. The core of the attacking force was seven divisions: the 33rd, 35th, 36th, 37th, 41st, and 21st Divisions, along with several independent mixed brigades, puppet Chinese formations, cavalry, and a substantial artillery and air component. The 3rd Air Group, operating from airfields at Yuncheng and Xinxiang, would provide tactical air support throughout the operation. In total, the frontline assault force numbered approximately 100,000 men. This was not a repeat of the previous thirteen offensives, in which the Japanese had probed and pressed at the mountains frontally. This was a comprehensive annihilation plan. Tada's design exploited the geographic shape of the Zhongtiao position itself. The Chinese garrison occupied a roughly crescent-shaped area, with its back to the Yellow River and its front facing north and east into Japanese-held territory. The obvious previous approach — attacking from the north — had failed repeatedly because the terrain favored the defenders. Tada's solution was to attack from three directions simultaneously, with the town of Yuanqu on the Yellow River as the primary objective. Yuanqu was the hinge of the entire Chinese position: it controlled the main river crossings, served as the central supply point for the garrison, and sat at the narrowest point between the mountains and the water. If Yuanqu fell, the Chinese would be cut off from their supply line and divided into two separate pockets. Then each pocket could be destroyed at leisure. To execute this, Tada organized his forces into three attack groups. The eastern group, built around Lieutenant General Harada Yukichi's 35th Division with elements of the 21st Division and the 4th Independent Cavalry Brigade — totaling roughly 25,000 men with armor, artillery, and supporting puppet forces — would drive westward along the Daoqing Road, pushing through Jiyuan and Mengxian toward the eastern flank of the Chinese position. The northeastern group, under Lieutenant General Shozo Sakurai commanding the 33rd Division and an Independent Mixed Brigade, would descend from Yangcheng southward, striking at the middle of the Chinese line. The western and northwestern group, the largest, comprising the 36th, 37th, and 41st Divisions along with the 9th and 16th Independent Mixed Brigades, would push southward from multiple points between Sangchi and Zhangdian, driving straight for Yuanqu. The final element of the plan was the most audacious. Japanese special forces and paratroopers were to land behind Chinese lines on the opening night of the offensive, targeting the Chinese headquarters and communications nodes. If the Chinese command could be blinded and paralyzed in the first hours of the battle, resistance would collapse before it could organize. Given the penetration of the garrison by Japanese intelligence, the paratroopers knew precisely where to go. From late April, Japanese forces quietly moved into their assault positions. Supply dumps were stocked. Artillery was registered on Chinese positions. The attack was set for the morning of May 7, 1941. Everything was ready. The battle opened before dawn on May 7, and it opened everywhere at once. On the eastern front, Harada's 35th Division and its attached formations crossed the start line and drove westward in three parallel columns along the Daoqing Road. More than 5,000 infantrymen, 1,000 cavalry, dozens of artillery pieces, over 100 tanks and armored vehicles, and the supporting puppet troops of Zhang Lanfeng and Liu Yanfeng poured into the Chinese-held area around Jiyuan and Mengxian. The assault had an almost mechanical quality — it moved at the pace of its armor and artillery, methodically grinding through whatever lay in its path. On the northeastern front, Sakurai's 33rd Division descended from Yangcheng with more than 10,000 men, striking at Wu Shimin's 98th Army at Dongfeng Town. Wu was one of the more aggressive Chinese commanders in the garrison, and he did not wait to be overwhelmed. He threw his forces into active resistance on multiple axes, contesting each Japanese advance rather than simply absorbing it. In the fighting around Wangcun, his troops achieved one of the campaign's rare Chinese tactical successes, routing approximately 2,000 Japanese attackers and killing more than 700, including Colonel Hamada, a Japanese regimental commander. It was a genuine local victory, but it could not change the larger picture. On the western and northwestern front, the main Japanese force pushed south with its eyes fixed on Yuanqu. The coordinated weight of three divisions and two independent brigades, all moving along converging axes, was designed to be overwhelming. Individually, a Chinese unit might hold a ridge or a pass for a day. Collectively, there was no way to stop what was coming. And that same night, as the Chinese scrambled to respond to attacks on every side, Japanese paratroopers landed near Chinese headquarters positions. They found what intelligence had promised: a command system already in disarray, staffed by officers who had received no coherent orders and had lost communications with most of their subordinate units. The Japanese were not wrong when they predicted they could paralyze the Chinese command within hours. By the morning of May 8, the Chinese First War Zone headquarters had effectively ceased to function as a coordinating body. Individual armies would fight on, but they would fight alone. The second day of the battle brought the decisive blow. On the afternoon of May 8, the 9th Army under Pei Changhui — already reeling from the pressure of the eastern Japanese columns — abandoned the cities of Ji and Meng and fell back westward. The withdrawal opened a path through the Chinese line, and the Japanese exploited it immediately. That evening, with the assistance of paratroopers who had secured key access routes overnight, Japanese forces reached Yuanqu on the Yellow River's northern bank and took it. The fall of Yuanqu changed everything. At a single stroke, the Chinese garrison's supply line from the south bank of the Yellow River was severed. The main crossing points were in Japanese hands. The two halves of the Chinese position — those to the east of Yuanqu and those to the west — were now separated, unable to reinforce one another. The double encirclement that Tada had designed on paper became a physical reality on the ground. The trap had closed. May 9 brought further disaster. Japanese forces captured Wufujian, another significant point in the Chinese rear. And on this day the battle's human cost began to register in the most stark terms possible. Wang Jun, commander of the newly formed 27th Division of Kong Lingxun's 80th Army, was killed in action fighting in the southern Shanxi mountains. Major General Chen Wenqi, deputy commander of the 24th Division, died in fierce combat near Taizhai Village. And Major General Liang Xixian, having retreated with the remnants of his force to Taizhai and found every route blocked — his options reduced to surrender or death — walked into the Yellow River and drowned himself. He was not the last Chinese officer to choose death over capture. The loss of three generals in a single day was not merely tragic. It reflected something about the nature of the battle that the casualty statistics alone could not capture: the Chinese officers who fought most fiercely and refused to abandon their positions were precisely the men dying, while the broader institutional structure that should have supported them had already failed. The garrison was being consumed from its fighting edge inward. Over the following two days, the Japanese methodically tightened the ring. The eastern column, having taken Yuanqu, split into two prongs: one drove eastward, capturing Shaoyuan by the morning of May 12 and linking up with the forces that had been pressing westward from Jiyuan; the other drove westward to Wufujian, joining with the troops already there. The inner encirclement was now complete and continuous. The Yellow River crossings along the entire Chinese front were blocked. There was no route south that wasn't already under fire or in Japanese hands. The fighting in the mountain passes was, by all accounts, ferocious. At Fengmenkou — a critical pass that both sides recognized as a key chokepoint — the Chinese 9th Army committed the main force of its newly formed 24th Division along with elements of the 54th Division, fighting for every ridge and ravine. The Japanese sent reinforcements and simply absorbed the punishment, pressing forward until numbers and artillery told. By May 12, the position at Jianshan had been surrounded as well, and the outer ring of encirclement had sealed. The Chinese armies in the Zhongtiao Mountains were now divided into isolated pockets, each fighting separately, each trying to find a gap in the Japanese lines that simply wasn't there. Beyond the mountains, the Chinese high command in Luoyang was issuing desperate orders. Units that had already been overrun were instructed to hold positions they no longer occupied. Army commanders who had lost contact with their corps were told to coordinate with formations they couldn't reach. The gap between the orders flowing from headquarters and the reality on the ground had become absolute. The First War Zone command was, in practical terms, a spectator to the destruction of its own army. Of all the days in the three-week battle, May 13 was perhaps the most devastating for Chinese morale. At Cunbu, in the western sector, the 3rd Army under Lieutenant General Tang Huaiyuan had been surrounded and cut off. Tang was among the finest officers in the Nationalist army — a career soldier of exceptional ability, admired by subordinates and superiors alike, the kind of commander who by his personal presence could steady troops on the edge of breaking. He had led the 3rd Army in continuous fighting since May 7, conducting a fighting retreat that had preserved more of his force than most. But there was nowhere left to retreat to. Cunbu was surrounded on all sides. The Yellow River was behind him. The Japanese were in front. Tang Huaiyuan sat with his surviving officers and told them that he would not surrender. Then he shot himself. He was fifty-seven years old. On the same day, Cun Xingqi, commander of the 12th Division, was hit eight times during close combat and died on the field. The tally of dead general officers had now reached five in the space of a week. Tang Huaiyuan's death, unlike the others, resonated as something more than a military loss. He was a symbol of what the Zhongtiao defense had once represented: the possibility that courage and skill could compensate for disadvantages in firepower and logistics. His death seemed to say, loudly, that that possibility was exhausted. Chiang Kai-shek, when news reached him in Chongqing, personally ordered that Tang Huaiyuan be posthumously promoted and honored. The gesture was well-intentioned and entirely beside the point. Tang was dead. His army was destroyed. The gesture could not undo either fact. With the double encirclement complete and the primary Chinese resistance broken, the Japanese Army entered the second and less dramatic but equally brutal phase of its operation: the systematic clearance of what remained. Beginning around May 15, Japanese units shifted from the headlong offensive drives of the first week to methodical sweep operations, moving through the mountain terrain in organized formations, pressing into each remaining pocket and eliminating whatever resistance they found. The Yellow River's northern bank was secured by Japanese forces who established posts at the crossing points, blocking retreat and interdicting any resupply attempt. From the western front, sweep operations continued in a series of movements that lasted until well into June, each one driving Chinese remnants further into smaller and more untenable positions. Japanese after-action reports from this period read with the clinical detachment of men doing carpentry rather than fighting: so many positions cleared, so many prisoners taken, so many bodies counted. For the surviving Chinese forces, this period was one of desperate improvisation. With coordinated resistance impossible and every organized position either taken or surrounded, the remnant armies broke up into smaller columns and attempted to find their own routes out of the encirclement. Their experiences varied enormously depending on their starting position, the initiative of their commanders, and fortune. The remnants of the 3rd Army and 15th Army, under Zeng Wanzhong of the 5th Army Group, managed to push through to Yellow River crossings in the west and get their men across to the south bank, eventually reorganizing at Luoyang and Xin'an. The 93rd Army, which had occupied positions in the northeast, shook off the Japanese pursuit with sufficient speed and organization to cross at Yumenkou and escape into Hancheng County in Shaanxi Province, preserving more of its fighting strength than most. Wu Shimin's 98th Army — whose fighting at Wangcun had been one of the campaign's genuine bright spots — was pushed northward into the Taiyue Mountains, conducting guerrilla operations as it went. Wu himself was wounded during the withdrawal and would spend months recovering; he never fully recovered his health, and would die by suicide the following year. The 43rd Army under Zhao Shiling, which had held Yuanqu before its fall, managed a fighting withdrawal toward Fushan and Yicheng in the north. Pei Changhui's 9th Army conducted several days of guerrilla operations along the Daoqing Road before finding crossings at Xiaodukou and Guanyangdukou and getting across the Yellow River to safety. By May 27, the great majority of the Zhongtiao Mountain garrison had either been destroyed, captured, or withdrawn. The mountains that had held for three years were in Japanese hands. The battle, for all practical purposes, was over. The two sides emerged from the battle with starkly different accounts of what had happened, and the gap between those accounts is itself revealing. Japanese operational records claimed that their forces had killed approximately 42,000 Chinese soldiers on the battlefield, taken around 35,000 prisoners, captured enormous quantities of weapons and supplies, and inflicted total Chinese casualties exceeding 100,000. Against this, Japanese headquarters reported their own losses as 673 killed and 2,292 wounded — a ratio so lopsided that it seemed to describe a completely different kind of warfare. Whether or not the precise numbers are accurate, Japanese sources were consistent in portraying the battle as a catastrophic one-sided rout. The Chinese government's official figures, presented to the public and to allied nations, told a very different story. Nationalist records acknowledged approximately 13,751 officers and soldiers killed, wounded, gassed, or missing, while claiming Japanese casualties of around 9,900. These numbers, by the standards of the actual fighting and the geographic scale of the defeat, strained credulity. They were the numbers of a government that needed, for political and morale reasons, to minimize a disaster it could not afford to fully acknowledge. What is beyond dispute is the strategic result. The Zhongtiao garrison, which had held for three years against thirteen prior offensives, had been destroyed in twenty days. The last significant Nationalist Chinese presence north of the Yellow River in the region had been eliminated. Japan now controlled the northern bank of the river for a substantial stretch, had secured its supply lines through southern Shanxi, and had opened the door for future pressure on Luoyang and ultimately Xi'an. The mountain barrier that had allowed Chinese forces to threaten Japanese logistics was gone. It would not be rebuilt. Six senior Chinese generals had died in the battle: Wang Jun, Chen Wenqi, Liang Xixian, Tang Huaiyuan, Cun Xingqi, and others in the fighting. Their deaths were individually remarkable — men choosing death over surrender at rate that reflected both the desperate conditions of the battle and a code of honor that many of them explicitly invoked in their final moments. They were also, in aggregate, a measure of how completely the officer corps had been consumed. In the decades since the battle, historians have returned repeatedly to the question of why a position held for three years collapsed so completely in three weeks. The answers are neither simple nor flattering to the Nationalist government, and they were debated with bitter intensity in Chongqing even while the battle was still being fought. The most immediate cause was the removal of Wei Lihuang. This was not merely the loss of a capable general — it was the destruction of the institutional knowledge and personal relationships that had made the defense function. The Zhongtiao garrison was not simply a collection of soldiers in mountain positions; it was a system, carefully constructed over three years, that depended on specific command relationships, established logistics arrangements, and particular allocation of resources. Wei had built that system. Without him, and without any adequate replacement, it became something far more brittle than it appeared. Below the level of high command, the garrison's gradual corruption was an equally powerful factor. The trading networks, the opium commerce, the penetration by Japanese intelligence — these were not incidental problems but symptoms of a deeper institutional failure. An army that has spent three years in static defensive positions, chronically undersupplied and without a meaningful offensive mission, tends toward exactly this kind of decay. The Nationalist government's decision to prioritize anti-Communist friction operations over Zhongtiao's fighting readiness had removed the 4th Army Group — the backbone of the defense — and had consumed Wei Lihuang's attention and political capital at the worst possible moment. The Japanese plan, too, deserves credit it rarely receives in Chinese accounts of the battle. The three-pronged converging attack on Yuanqu was not simply overwhelming force applied to an obvious target. It was an elegant solution to the genuine tactical puzzle that the Zhongtiao mountains presented, exploiting the garrison's geographic vulnerability with a precision that turned the defenders' mountain terrain from an asset into a trap. The use of paratroopers to decapitate the Chinese command in the opening hours was a sophisticated operational concept that worked almost exactly as designed. Tada Shun was not lucky. He was thorough. Finally, there is the question of Chiang Kai-shek's own priorities. His reported weeping upon receiving news of the defeat was genuine, in the sense that the loss clearly shocked and grieved him. But the decisions that led to the defeat — Wei Lihuang's removal, the transfer of the 4th Army Group, the neglect of fortification and resupply in the months preceding the battle — had been made in Chongqing, not in the mountains. The Zhongtiao garrison had been strategically sacrificed, piece by piece, for political calculations in the internal factional struggle between Nationalists and Communists. Whether Chiang understood the cost of those choices before May 7, 1941, is debatable. After that date, it was difficult to pretend otherwise. The fall of the Zhongtiao Mountains did not end the War of Resistance, but it substantially worsened China's strategic position in the north. Over the following months, Japan used its consolidated control of southern Shanxi to increase pressure on the Yellow River line and probe toward Luoyang. The surviving Chinese armies, reorganized south of the river, were in no position to counterattack. The mountains themselves, stripped of their garrison and secured by Japanese occupation troops, became part of the extended Japanese occupation zone — a territory to be administered and exploited rather than contested. For the men who had fought there, the battle left wounds that went beyond the physical. Entire armies had to be rebuilt from remnants. Officers who had retreated, whether under orders or on their own initiative, faced boards of inquiry in an atmosphere of recrimination and blame-seeking. Some were cashiered. Some faced criminal proceedings. The search for culpability — which was genuine enough, since the failure was genuine — tended to fall on those least able to defend themselves rather than on the senior commanders and political figures whose decisions had created the conditions for defeat. The posthumous honors awarded to Tang Huaiyuan, Liang Xixian, Wang Jun, and the other officers who died in battle were heartfelt, and they were also convenient. The heroic dead could be elevated without requiring the living to answer uncomfortable questions. Their sacrifice was real. The system that wasted it was also real. In the broader history of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Battle of Zhongtiao Mountain tends to be overshadowed by more famous engagements — Shanghai, Nanjing, Taierzhuang, the later battles along the Salween. This is partly because the Chinese side lost comprehensively and had little interest in memorializing the loss, and partly because the battle's significance was more strategic than dramatic. There was no great last stand, no single moment of heroism sufficient to redeem the catastrophe. There were only men dying in mountain passes, generals walking into rivers, and an entire defensive system disintegrating under the weight of its own contradictions. What the Battle of Zhongtiao Mountain represents, in the end, is a case study in how military positions are really lost. They are rarely lost on the battlefield alone. They are lost in the staff meetings where capable commanders are removed for political reasons. They are lost in the supply depots that never get restocked. They are lost in the informal economies that grow up when institutions stop functioning. They are lost in the intelligence assessments that are written and ignored. They are lost, finally and irreversibly, in the early morning hours when the guns open simultaneously on three sides and the men at the radios discover that no one is answering.     I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. On May 7, 1941, Japan opened a three-front assault on Zhongtiao Mountains; paratroopers disrupted command night. With the 9th Army withdrawing, Yuanqu fell on May 8, severing supply and trapping the garrison. Fighting raged through May 13, costing generals, until Japanese sweeps cleared pockets; survivors escaped south of Yellow River.

In Beijing's historic Qianmen area, a marriage registration office opened on Saturday in the bustling Dashilan shopping area, amid a cluster of photo studios and shops offering wedding-related services.在北京历史悠久的前门地区，一家婚姻登记处上周六在大栅栏商业街区正式启用，周边聚集着众多摄影工作室和婚庆服务机构。On the same day, a revised version of marriage registration rules started to take effect in China, historically leaving out the former requirement that both the bride and groom need to present their hukou, or the certificate of household registration status, which had been in place since the 1980s.与此同时，新修订的《婚姻登记条例》于当日在全国正式施行，具有历史意义地取消了自上世纪80年代起实施的新娘和新郎都需持户口簿办理登记的要求。Foreseeing that the policy revision—mainly to make marriage registrations and related services more convenient—would bring a surging number of registrants, the civil affairs authority set up the new registry to better serve couples.为应对此次以提升婚姻登记便民服务水平为核心的政策调整可能带来的登记量激增，民政部门特别增设了这处全新登记场所，以更好地为夫妻提供服务。"Previously, the newlyweds needed to go to the places of their household registration and take the hukou booklets for marriage registration. From now on, they just need to show their ID cards to tie the knot at marriage registration offices anywhere in the country," said Bian Zhihui, a registrar at the new office in downtown Beijing.工作人员边志辉（Bian Zhihui）介绍：“以往新人必须返回户籍所在地，并携带户口簿才能办理结婚登记。新政实施后，全国范围内任一婚姻登记处只需查验身份证即可为新人办理结婚登记。”From checking ID cards and photos of the newlyweds and guiding them to fill in the forms, to verifying the information through a nationalized computer network, the whole registration process takes about only 10 minutes.从核验新人身份证件及合影照片、指导填写申请表，到通过全国联网的信息系统进行数据比对，整个过程仅需约十分钟即可完成。Bian said the new rule is among a slew of pro-marriage and childbearing policies promulgated by the Chinese government to streamline procedures and give incentives for people aiming to start families.边志辉（Bian Zhihui）表示，这项新规是中国政府为简化行政流程、提升婚育激励而推出的系列政策之一，旨在通过制度优化鼓励适婚人群组建家庭。China recorded 1.81 million marriage registrations in the first quarter of this year, marking an 8 percent drop from the same period in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.民政部数据显示，今年第一季度全国结婚登记量为181万对，较去年同期下降8%。After nine consecutive years of decline, China's marriage registration numbers saw a brief rebound in 2023. However, the downward trend resumed last year, with registrations falling to their lowest level since 1980.在经历连续九年下滑后，我国结婚登记量曾在2023年出现短暂回升，但去年这一下降趋势再度延续，登记人数已降至1980年以来历史新低。The new marriage registration office is located in a traditional courtyard building and boasts a one-stop service, allowing couples to choose wedding dresses and suits, take wedding photos or purchase marriage souvenirs.新设立的婚姻登记处坐落于传统四合院建筑群中，提供从婚纱礼服挑选、结婚照拍摄到婚庆纪念品购置的一站式服务。A 15-minute walk from the office is the marriage registration service center of the Civil Affairs Bureau of Beijing's Xicheng district. The center has registered more marriages than anywhere else in the capital.该登记处与西城区民政局婚姻登记服务中心仅相距15分钟步程，是北京市婚姻登记量最大的服务机构。Xu Zongyi said the center, of which he is a deputy director, recorded nearly 20,000 marriage registrations last year.其副主任徐宗义（Xu Zongyi）透露，2023年该中心办理结婚登记近2万对。Xu expects the latest rule change to boost marriage registration by 20 to 30 percent.徐主任预计，此次政策调整将使辖区婚姻登记量实现20%至30%的增幅。On Saturday, there were approximately 1,700 marriage registrations recorded in Beijing, among which about 900 pairs were not permanent residents of the capital. Various Chinese provinces and cities have done more than just cut red tape to boost marriage and fertility rates.上周六，北京市共办理约1700对结婚登记，其中约900对新人非本市户籍居民。中国各地政府为提升结婚率和生育率，已推出一系列超越简化行政程序的创新举措。In March this year, the provincial government of Zhejiang issued a notice calling local authorities to improve marriage and fertility support policies, with recommended incentives including the distribution of cash in the form of "wedding red envelopes" or consumption vouchers to newlyweds.今年3月，浙江省政府发布通知，要求各级地方政府完善婚姻及生育支持政策，鼓励采取多种激励措施，其中包括向新婚夫妇发放“婚庆红包”或消费券等。Yan Yan from the Civil Affairs Bureau of Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, told Xinhua News Agency that a government-sponsored group wedding for 52 couples is slated for May 22, with the ceremony to be held in the historic Shenyang Palace Museum.辽宁省会沈阳市民政局婚姻登记处负责人闫岩（Yan Yan）向新华社透露，一场由政府主导的集体婚礼盛典定于5月22日在沈阳故宫博物院举行，届时将有52对新人参与这场文化底蕴深厚的仪式。"Through the group wedding, we advocate new ways of getting married by infusing traditional customs with the new trend of thrifty practices," Yan said.“通过将传统婚俗与新时代节俭风尚有机融合，我们旨在通过集体婚礼形式倡导文明简约的婚庆新风尚。”闫岩（Yan Yan）在接受采访时强调。Liu Qing and Yao Wenjiu, both working in Shenyang away from their home cities, plan to get married this month.在沈工作的异地青年刘清（Liu Qing）与姚文久（Yao Wenjiu）计划本月完成婚姻登记。"The new rule allows us to do it more conveniently in the city where we work—you don't have to go back home to 'steal' hukou booklets from parents," Liu said.刘清（Liu Qing）表示：“新规实施后在工作地就能办理婚姻登记，再也不用像过去那样专程回老家找父母'借'户口簿了。”While marriage is legally determined and executed autonomously by the parties involved, parental approval and endorsement remain culturally paramount in Chinese marital traditions. For young adults whose household registration remains jointly registered with their parents—even if they live and work elsewhere—previous regulations required them to obtain the family's hukou booklet to complete marriage registration. This effectively meant that registering a marriage first necessitated parental awareness and consent.在中国传统婚姻文化中，尽管婚姻关系的缔结在法律层面由当事人自主决定，但父母的认可与祝福仍具有至关重要的文化意义。值得注意的是，对于户籍仍与父母共同登记（即便其本人在异地工作生活）的适婚青年群体，既往政策要求婚姻登记必须提交家庭户口簿，这实际上意味着需要父母知情且同意后才能登记结婚。Wang Jun, a marriage and family counselor, said marriage registration reform eliminates the mandatory household registration booklet requirement, granting individuals full autonomy in marital decisions.资深婚姻家庭咨询师王君（Wang Jun）表示，此次婚姻登记制度改革废除了户籍簿的硬性规定，切实保障了公民在婚姻决策中的充分自主权。With more than 10 years of experience, Wang volunteers as a counselor at the Xicheng district marriage registration service center.拥有十余年从业经验的王君（Wang Jun）目前在西城区婚姻登记服务中心担任志愿咨询师。"Parents' opinions are traditionally deemed authoritative to help their children choose the 'right' spouses and avoid risks in future marriage. Nowadays, many young people are more inclined to seek help through counseling," Wang said.她分析道：“传统观念认为父母的意见具有权威性，能帮助子女甄选'合适'的婚配对象，规避未来婚姻风险。但如今更多年轻人倾向于通过专业咨询寻求婚恋指导。”However, she warned that under the rule, there might be a higher possibility of impulsive "flash marriages" and divorces, especially among young people who lack experience in intimate relationships and family issues.不过她特别指出，新规实施后冲动型“闪婚”及后续离婚现象可能增多，尤其在缺乏亲密关系经营能力和家庭矛盾处理经验的青年群体当中。marriage registration office婚姻登记处take effect生效household registration户籍;户口登记newlyweds/'nju:lɪˌwed/n. 新婚夫妇; 新婚的人flash marriages闪婚

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Last time we spoke about the January 28th Incident. In January of 1932, tensions escalated in Shanghai as anti-Japanese sentiments surged after Japan's invasion of Manchuria. Orchestrated by Yoshiko Kawashima, a Japanese spy, a provocation led to violence, sparking outrage among Japanese expatriates. Japan demanded apologies and compensation from China, threatening military action if their demands were unmet. As the Japanese military amassed forces in Shanghai, the Chinese 19th Route Army prepared to resist, igniting the conflict known as the January 28th Incident, marking the beginning of a fierce struggle for control. Amidst chaos, the Nanjing government struggled to respond to Japan's escalating aggression in Shanghai. Chiang Kai-Shek prioritized avoiding war, urging a diplomatic approach to protect Shanghai's economy. Despite pressure, the 19th Route Army was ordered to withdraw, but tensions flared when Japan attacked the Chinese garrison. The 19th Route Army fiercely resisted, leading to intense battles. As Japan sent reinforcements, Chiang faced mounting protests and criticism for his passive stance, questioning whether he could maintain his strategy against the encroaching enemy.   #144 The First Battle of Shanghai 1932 Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. In the last episode we covered the January 28th Incident. At 11:30 pm on January 28, Japan ordered 2,300 Japanese Marines to advance westward along every branch road on the west side of North Sichuan Road, without waiting for a response. This road, which crosses into the northern area of the International Settlement and has frequently been designated as a Japanese defense zone, includes Target Road (now known as Wujin Road in Hongkou District, Shanghai), Qiujiang Road, and Yokohama Road. Their objective was to seize the Songhu Railway defense line at Tiantong'an Station. They faced strong resistance from the 19th Route Army, further escalating the conflict. In the early hours of the 29th, Japanese aircraft launched from the Notoro seaplane carrier, which was moored on the Huangpu River, attacked the Chinese district of Zhabei. Both the Commercial Press located at No. 584 Baoshan Road and the Oriental Library, the largest private library in China with over 300,000 books, were completely destroyed. That same day the 19th Route Army sent a telegram to the entire nation concerning the situation: Do forgive me it's a rough translation “Urgent. Dear Sir and Madam, the Japanese have occupied our three northeastern provinces, changing the color of our territory and making our nation perish. Recently, they have killed and set fire in Shanghai, and vagrants are everywhere, doing the most despicable and violent things in the world. Gunboats are coming one after another, and the Marines are all landed. At 12:00 a.m. on the 28th, they openly invaded our defense line in Zhabei, Shanghai, and challenged us. Guang Nai and others are soldiers, and they only know that it is their duty to defend themselves and defend their land. They cannot give up even an inch of land or an inch of grass. They resist to save the country and protect the race. Even if they sacrifice only one person and one bullet, they will never retreat and lose the personality of the soldiers of the Republic of China. This thing and this ambition are exposed to the sun and the sun and are known to the world. The spirits of our ancestors in heaven are truly relying on it”. On the morning of January 29, Chiang Kai-shek met with He Yingqin and Zhu Peide to discuss countermeasures. Simultaneously Zhu Peide convened a meeting with He Yingqin, Gu Zhutong, Li Jishen, Deng Shizeng, Lin Wei, and others to address issues such as defense deployment, the security of Nanjing and the Yangtze River, and resistance against Japan. Chiang Kai-Shek established the principles going forward for negotiations with Japan, emphasizing the need to prepare for talks while actively resisting. He stated that negotiations must have a clear final line of defense and a maximum limit that would not compromise administrative and territorial integrity, undermine the spirit of the Nine-Power Treaty, or jeopardize national sovereignty. If these limits were exceeded and unacceptable concessions were made, a decisive battle would be fought, even at the cost of defeat and death.  The defense and military strategy for Beijing and Shanghai included the 19th Route Army defending Shanghai with full strength, while the front guard army consisting of the 87th and 88th divisions would protect Nanjing. He Yingqin would remain in Nanjing, overseeing all party, government, and military personnel left behind. Chiang, along with the Central Political Council of the Kuomintang, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the National Government, and Chen Mingshu, all expressed their commitment to resisting Japanese aggression. Chiang also sent a telegram to He Chengjun, director of the Hubei Province Pacification Office, and Xu Tingyao, commander of the Fourth Division, stating "Last night, the Japanese invaders attacked our 19th Route Defense Line in Zhabei, Shanghai, and the battle is ongoing. Our army is determined to fight to the death. Their naval forces in Han and Xun will likely engage in military operations. We urge you to remain vigilant and defend yourselves, never yielding to them. The Fourth Division should concentrate on strict defense in Wuhan and avoid dispersal. If military funds become scarce, local governments will need to raise them independently." The National Government Military Committee appointed Chiang Kai-shek, Feng Yuxiang, Yan Xishan, and Zhang Xueliang as members responsible for mobilizing the army and commanding the Shanghai War. Chiang Kai-Shek officially resumed power after resigning to prevent a surrender and committed to a prolonged resistance. On January 30, the Chinese Nationalist Government announced the relocation of the capital to Luoyang. Chiang Kai-shek sent a telegram urging resistance against the Japanese and dispatched the elite Fifth Army to reinforce Shanghai. That night, Dai Ji, the commander of the Songhu Garrison, took charge of military operations in Shanghai, overseeing the 19th Route Army. The commander-in-chief was Jiang Guangnai, with Cai Tingkai as the army commander and division commanders Qu Shounian, Mao Weishou, and Shen Guanghan. Chiang Kai-Shek then issued a telegram to his troops across the nation and again I apologize for the rough translation. "Since the Northeast Incident began, the Central Government has been enduring humiliation and maintaining peace in order to avoid war and protect the lifeline of the country. It hopes to use justice and fairness to awaken the Japanese pirates. Unexpectedly, the more we tolerate, the more arrogant they become. When the Shanghai Incident occurred, we accepted their demands with great pain, but the Japanese pirates still brazenly pressed on, repeatedly attacking our Shanghai Defense Force, bombing civilian houses, throwing bombs on the streets, and our compatriots were ravaged. The country is about to perish. Anyone with blood in his veins would rather endure it. Since the 19th Route Army has risen up to defend itself bravely, our entire army In this time of national destruction and extinction, when the revolutionary soldiers are facing imminent danger, they should fight for the dignity of the country, strive for the survival of the nation, fulfill their responsibilities for the revolution, and be determined to die rather than live in disgrace, so as to deal with the brutal Japan that destroys peace and despises faith and integrity... Chiang Kai-shek and his comrades have shared hardships for a long time. Although I am now in the opposition, I am willing to swear to live and die with the soldiers and fulfill my bounden duty. I am here to inform you in advance with my blood and sincerity, and ask you to be determined and work hard, share the same hatred with the enemy, do not be arrogant, maintain the spirit of sacrifice, stay ready to fight, and save the country from danger." From that day on, the various ministries, commissions and committees of the National Government began to move to Luoyang, but the Military Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained in Nanjing . At the same time, the frontline troops were ordered to be jointly commanded by the Minister of Military Affairs He Yingqin and the Chief of the General Staff Zhu Peide.  Typically Chinese sources breakdown what is known as the First Battle of Shanghai into three phases. In the previous episode we looked through the event up until the point of the first phase. After the initial fighting, both the 19th route army and Japanese agreed to a ceasefire so they could strengthen their positions and at least allow some form of diplomacy to occur. This went into effect on the 29th. As we mentioned, immediately afterwards the Japanese rapidly began reinforcing their position in Shanghai. They first sent the Sasebo 26th Squadron on the 30th, bearing 474 troops of the Sasebo 3rd Special Marine Corps alongside supplies. The next day the aircraft carriers Kaga and Hosho came over with 30 aircraft from the 1st air fleet. Then the cruisers Naka, Yura and Abukuma alongside 4 torpedo boats came bearing another 2000 marines. On February 1st the Terukoku Maru brought over the Yokosuka 1st Special Marine corps, roughly 525 men who landed at Huishan Wharf. With all that said and done, roughly 7000 Japanese troops had been brought over. On February 1st, the IJN warships began bombarding Nanjing from the Yangtze River, prompting Yu Jishi to frantically demand Chiang Kai-Shek transfer more troops to Shanghai. That night the Japanese light cruiser Tenryu, the protected cruisers Hirado and Taima, and the seven ships of the Navy's 23rd Destroyer Squadron fired upon Nanjing using four 140mm guns, 12 152mm single-mounted rapid-fire guns, 12 120mm single-mounted guns, and 20 76mm single-mounted rapid-fire guns. The rich and officials fled the city for refuge, but the Japanese army did not land any men to follow up the attack. Simultaneously 40,000 Shanghai workers from over 20 Japanese owned cotton mills began an anti-Japanese strike, being heavily backed by Communists. The workers began aiding the 19th route army to blockade the Japanese in the factories and streets and sabotage what they could.  On February 2nd, the Japanese army attacked Wusong several times, but was repelled each time. On the 3rd the Japanese expanded their attacks against Zhabei, Baziqiao and other locations, but the Chinese defenders successfully repelled these assaults as well. On the 4th, the Japanese launched their first major offensive, which extended the conflict to Jiangwan and Wusong. Following a day of intense fighting, the Wusong fort was destroyed by enemy bombardment; however, the Japanese army was unable to land due to the determined resistance of the Chinese defenders. The anti-aircraft artillery company from the 88th Division, reassigned to the 4th Regiment of the 156th Brigade of the 19th Route Army, managed to shoot down a Japanese aircraft. After the failure of the general offensive, Yukiichi Shiozawa was dismissed and sent back to Japan. Vice Admiral Yoshisaburo Nomura, the newly appointed commander of the Third Fleet, succeeded Shiozawa. After Nomura assumed his role, the Japanese army began to bolster its forces. Japan had initially planned to deploy troops when tensions escalated in Shanghai, but the navy had opposed this move. However, as the situation deteriorated, the navy was compelled to seek assistance from the army. On February 2, the Japanese cabinet officially decided to send troops. In response to the urgent circumstances in Shanghai, they resolved to dispatch the Shanghai Dispatch Mixed Brigade, led by Brigade Commander Major General Shimomoto Kuma, along with the 9th Division, commanded by Lieutenant General Ueda Kenkichi. The Shanghai Dispatch Mixed Brigade and the Second Independent Tank Squadron were prioritized for transport. Concurrently, the Japanese Navy also sent the Yokosuka 2nd Special Marine Corps to Shanghai. The 24th Mixed Brigade landed in Wusong on the afternoon of February 7. By this time, the combined forces of the Japanese navy, army, and air force had exceeded 10,000 personnel. At dawn on February 8, the Japanese Army's 24th Mixed Brigade launched an attack on Zhanghuabang, Yunzaobang, and Wusong Town along three routes, but they were repelled by our forces. Meanwhile on February 4, the National Government Military Commission sent out a telegram that divided the country into four defense zones. The first zone, which includes the area north of the Yellow River, was assigned to Zhang Xueliang as the commander-in-chief. The second zone, covering the area south of the Yellow River, was placed under the command of Chiang Kai-shek. The third zone, encompassing the area south of the Yangtze River as well as Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, was led by He Yingqin. The fourth zone, which includes Guangdong and Guangxi, was commanded by Chen Jitang. The telegram also stated that, aside from maintaining troops for local stability, all commanders were to concentrate their forces within their respective defense zones to confront the aggressive Japanese. Additionally, a directive was issued for the provinces of Sichuan, Hunan, Guizhou, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Henan to send troops to serve as a general reserve. On February 5, upon learning that the Japanese army had been redeployed from mainland China to Shanghai, Chairman of the Military Commission Chiang Kai-shek sent a telegram from Luoyang to He Yingqin. He instructed that if the Japanese forces landed, the Chinese Air Force would engage in combat. Additionally, Chiang sent a message of condolence to Jiang Guangnai, Cai Tingkai, and Dai Ji of the 19th Route Army, stating "Brothers, you have been fighting valiantly for a week. Each time I reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by the soldiers and their dedication, I feel a deep sadness... If necessary, Zhong (Zheng) can come to lead in person. When the Air Force enters the fray, the Army must establish various signals in advance to communicate with it and ensure coordinated efforts..." On the same day, the 88th Division arrived in Suzhou. On February 6, Chiang ordered the 261st Brigade of the 87th Division to move from Nanjing to reinforce Kunshan. The troops reached Kunshan on February 7. On February 8, Chiang directed He Yingqin to transfer an artillery battalion to support the 19th Route Army. Then, on February 9, Chiang Kai-shek mobilized the First Division, led by Commander Hu Zongnan, and the Seventh Division, commanded by Wang Jun, to prepare for reinforcement of the 19th Route Army in Shanghai. February 8th marks the second phase of the battle. On the 10th, to ensure that the 88th Division of the Central Army complied with the orders from the 19th Route Army of the Guangdong Army, Chiang Kai-shek sent a telegram to Yu Jishi insisting that "your troops must strictly follow the commands of Commander-in-Chief Chiang and coordinate their movements with allied forces." The Japanese Marine Corps, under Yukio Shiozawa, initiated a three-pronged encirclement attack from Hongkou. The National Army mounted a determined defense and ultimately repelled the Japanese forces, pursuing and destroying them, which significantly lowered their morale. On February 11, Chen Cheng, commander of the Central Army's 18th Army, sent a telegram to Chiang Kai-shek from Ji'an, Jiangxi, reporting that the troops had not been paid for nearly two months and were lacking food. At that time, the National Government was planning to redeploy the National Army that had been engaged in suppressing the Communists in Jiangxi to Zhejiang and Shanghai and to relocate the capital to Luoyang.  On February 12, following a battle at Caojiaqiao, the Japanese army's strategy to consolidate their forces was entirely disrupted. The next morning, February 13, the Japanese 24th Mixed Brigade crossed the Caojiaqiao Bridge in Zhuozaobang and engaged with the Nationalist army. Seizing the moment, the 19th Route Army Headquarters aimed to annihilate the Japanese forces. The Nationalist army surrounded the Japanese troops near the Yong'an Cotton Mill. Additionally, 60 members of a suicide squad launched a suicide attack, resulting in the complete destruction of 1,600 Japanese soldiers. The Japanese army faced significant losses, thwarting their attempt to swiftly capture Wusong. On February 14, Chiang ordered the 88th and 87th Divisions, which were already stationed in Nanxiang and Kunshan near Shanghai, to be reorganized into the Fifth Army. He appointed Zhang Zhizhong, a volunteer eager to fight against the Japanese, as the commander of the Fifth Army. This new army was placed under the unified command of the 19th Route Army and took over the defense line stretching from the northern end of Jiangwan through Miaoxing to the western end of Wusong. It served as the left-wing army, while the 19th Route Army acted as the right-wing, tasked with defending Jiangwan, the area south of Dachang, and the urban region of Shanghai. To replenish the 19th Route Army's losses, Chiang repeatedly ordered reinforcements from various locations. For instance, on February 15, Shangguan Yunxiang dispatched 500 active soldiers from Bengbu to the 19th Route Army; on February 17, Liang Guanying sent 500 unarmed soldiers from Qingjiangpu; and on February 19, Liu Zhi contributed 1,000 active unarmed soldiers from Henan. On February 16, Chiang Kai-shek communicated with Finance Minister Song Ziwen via telegram, stating, "Since the Japanese refuse to withdraw their troops from Shanghai, we must resist until the end. ... Food supplies in Jiangxi and Henan will dwindle, and assistance will be completely halted. Please arrange to deposit 10 million yuan in central banknotes in Nanchang and 20 million yuan in Zhengzhou. This will allow the government to continue functioning, the army to be sustained, and perhaps we can navigate this crisis and avert collapse. This is my final request. I hope you can find a way to assist." To prevent any friction between the Fifth Army and the Nineteenth Route Army over competing for military accolades, Chiang Kai-shek sent a telegram to Zhang Zhizhong and Yu Jishi on February 18. "The fight against Japan is a matter of national survival and is not a matter of honor for an individual or a certain unit. Our frontline officers and men should fully understand this. Therefore, the honor of the 19th Route Army is the honor of our entire National Revolutionary Army. There is absolutely no distinction between honor and disgrace. The Fifth Army's joining the front line is feared by the enemy and will also be slandered by the reactionaries (those who oppose the Nanjing Central Government). If we can continue to fight in the name of the 19th Route Army, it will be enough to demonstrate the strength of our National Revolutionary Army. We will share life and death, let alone honor and disgrace. I hope that this will be conveyed to the officers and men of the Fifth Army. They must unite and fight with our 19th Route Army and make no sacrifices to complete the revolutionary mission." Over on the other side, following reports of significant losses suffered by the Japanese army in Wusong, Tokyo received an imperial decree from Emperor Hirohito demanding the Shanghai incident get settled quick. In response, Chief of Staff Zairen urgently ordered the 9th Army Division, commanded by Ueda Kenkichi, to swiftly reinforce Shanghai. By the afternoon of February 13, the main contingent of the 9th Division had arrived at Shanghai Port, and by February 16, all personnel had disembarked in Wusong. Consequently, Lieutenant General Ueda took over command from Nomura. At this point, the Japanese invading forces comprised over 30,000 troops from naval, land, and air units, along with 60 to 70 field artillery pieces, more than 60 aircraft, and dozens of ships concentrated at the Wusong mouth. Ueda issued a statement late on the night of the 13th, asserting, "If anyone obstructs our division from fulfilling its mission, we will take decisive action without hesitation." On the 18th, he sent an ultimatum to Cai Tingkai, demanding, "Your army must immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from the following areas by 5:00 p.m. on February 20: on the west bank of the Huangpu River, retreat from areas connecting the western end of the concession, Caojiadu Town, Zhoujiaqiao Town, and Pushong Town to the north; on the east bank, withdraw from areas connecting Lannidu and Zhangjialou Town to the north, and retreat to a zone 20 kilometers away from the border of each concession Additionally, all military installations in the specified areas must be dismantled and no new ones established. If these demands are not met, the Japanese army will have no choice but to act freely against your forces, and your army will bear all resulting consequences." In response to Ueda's ultimatum, Tsai and Chiang ordered their front-line troops to fire heavily at Japanese positions as a warning. On the morning of February 20, Ueda commanded a full-scale attack across the front, employing tactics to break through the center while flanking from both sides. The 9th Division led the assault on the junction of Jiangwan and Miaohang, aiming to encircle Wusong from the north with the Kurume Brigade and Zhabei with the Marine Corps from the south. The Japanese began with artillery bombardments, followed by infantry and tank assaults on the Zhanghuabang and Yangshupu lines, both of which were successfully repelled by Chinese defenders. Over a thousand Japanese soldiers and several tanks in Zhabei were killed or wounded due to landmines. On February 21, Ueda personally directed thousands of infantry, supported by aircraft and artillery, to attack the Chinese defensive positions. Both sides incurred heavy casualties, and the battle continued until dawn on the 23rd. The Japanese forces attempted to encircle Jiangwan Town from Jiangwan Station, but the Chinese defenders fought valiantly, launching multiple charges and capturing Japanese Major Kong Sheng along with hundreds of soldiers. Ultimately, the Japanese army was unable to withstand the resistance and began to retreat. After the Japanese 9th Division arrived in Shanghai, it prepared to initiate a second major assault on the defenders of the city. The strategy involved a comprehensive attack stretching from Zhabei to Wusong to contain the Chinese army's strength, with primary forces concentrated on Jiangwan and Miaohang. The goal was to seize these two strategic points, achieve a breakthrough in the center, sever the link between the 5th Army and the 19th Route Army, and then defeat them individually. At dawn on February 20, the Japanese dispatched over ten aircraft for reconnaissance and bombing missions over the Miaohang area. Naval artillery and heavy army cannons heavily shelled the Miaohang positions. Simultaneously, Japanese artillery bombarded the Yunzaobang area in an effort to force a crossing and facilitate the Miaohang offensive.   By 9 am, part of the Japanese forces advanced towards the Xiaochang Temple and the Maijiazhai position, immediately conducting a fire search on our troops' positions. At noon, 3,000 Japanese soldiers launched an attack against our forces. The officers and soldiers of the 527th Regiment, defending the Maijiazhai and Zhuyuandun positions, mounted a counterattack, marking the beginning of the Battle of Miaohang. After three hours of intense fighting, the Japanese suffered significant casualties and were unable to continue, retreating to their original positions. Following this, over 2,000 Japanese troops attacked the Xiaochang Temple and Jinjiatang positions. The officers and soldiers of the 523rd Regiment, taking cover in the trenches, launched counterattacks and successfully repelled the Japanese forces. As dusk fell, the Japanese infantry halted their assaults, but naval and land artillery continued to bombard our positions in an attempt to weaken our defenses and personnel for a renewed attack the following day. On February 21, Japanese artillery relentlessly shelled the positions of the 88th Division of the Fifth Army in Miaohang. Following this, thousands of Japanese infantry launched an assault on the Yanjiazhai and Miaohang Town front. As the Japanese forces advanced, the officers and soldiers of the 523rd and 524th Regiments bravely counterattacked and successfully repelled them. However, a significant number of enemy troops coordinated a comprehensive assault on the Maijiazhai, Zhuyuandun, Xiaochangmiao, and Yanjiazhai lines south of Miaohang. Our 523rd, 524th, and 527th Regiments engaged in intense combat with the enemy, particularly at the Zhuyuandun front near Maijiazhai and Xu Xu, where the fighting was especially fierce. After a day of conflict, the enemy was temporarily pushed back. On February 22, the Japanese 9th Division launched a full-scale attack on the Miaohang position held by the 88th Division of the Fifth Army. Throughout the day, aircraft bombed the Chinese defenders, and thousands of artillery shells were fired at them. However, under the direct command of Zhang Zhizhong, the enemy faced a devastating defeat due to the coordinated three-pronged assault by the Sun Yuanliang Brigade, the Song Xilian Brigade, and the 61st Division of the 19th Route Army. The Miaohang position was ultimately saved from peril, inflicting heavy casualties on the elite forces of the Japanese 9th Division and the Kurume Mixed Brigade. This victory became known as the "Miaohang Victory." In the days that followed, the enemy continued their bombardment and attacks but were consistently repelled by the defenders. The Japanese army suffered significant losses, shifting from an all-out offensive to a more focused approach before ultimately halting their attacks. By the 25th, Ueda's overall offensive strategy had also failed. On February 24, the Japanese army decided to escalate the conflict once more, transferring the 11th and 14th divisions from Japan to join the Shanghai Expeditionary Force, which included troops already engaged in the war. At that time, the flagship of the Japanese Navy's Third Fleet, the Izumo, sustained damage from a bombing raid carried out by the suicide squad of the 19th Route Army, which sent shockwaves through Japan. Additionally, the large troop presence made a quick resolution to the war impossible. Consequently, on the 23rd, the Japanese cabinet decided to promptly reinforce the army. The General Staff then established the Shanghai Expeditionary Army Command, appointing General Shirakawa Yoshinori, the former Minister of War in the Tanaka Cabinet, to replace Ueda. They dispatched the 11th Division (led by Lieutenant General Atsutarou Atsuto), the 14th Division (led by Lieutenant General Naoaki Matsuki), and over 100 aircraft to China to initiate a larger-scale offensive in Shanghai. After several reinforcements, the Japanese forces in Shanghai, under Shirakawa's command, grew to over 90,000 troops, supported by 80 warships and 300 aircraft, significantly enhancing their combat effectiveness. In contrast, the total strength of the Chinese defenders was less than 50,000, with inadequate equipment. After a month of intense fighting, the Chinese forces had suffered heavy losses, leaving their river defenses in the Taicang Liuhe area vulnerable. Learning from the failures of the previous three commanders' frontal assaults, Shirakawa opted to land at Liuhe and flank the Songhu defenders. He directed the 9th Division and other units to launch a direct attack on Songhu and Shanghai while using the 3rd Fleet to escort the 11th Division into the Yangtze River estuary. They executed surprise landings at Liuhekou, Yanglinkou, and Qiyakou, quickly outflanking the defenders. On March 1, the Japanese forces initiated attacks in Naobei, Jiangwan, and Miaohang, employing heavy artillery, field guns, and aircraft for continuous bombardment. The infantry capitalized on this to engage in close-quarters combat, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Meanwhile, Shirakawa secretly instructed the 11th Division to exploit the weakness of the Chinese troops in Liuhe, forcibly landing at Qiyakou, Yanglinkou, and Liubinkou, ultimately capturing Liuhe. The fall of Liuhe posed a significant threat to the flank and rear of the Chinese army, compelling the entire force to retreat to the second line of defense (the Jiading-Huangdu line) by the evening of March 1.  After 34 days of intense fighting, they were forced to retreat to their second line of defense. At this point, the war had entered its final phase, resulting in a stalemate between the two sides. On the 2nd, the Japanese army seized Shanghai, and by March 3, they occupied Zhenru and Nanxiang, subsequently announcing a ceasefire. Now while we have been focused on the Japanese and Chinese perspectives in this, the international community was also heavily involved in the background. After the outbreak of hostilities, the British and American consuls in Shanghai offered to mediate. However despite a ceasefire being implemented the hostilities continued. So on February 2nd, Britain, America, France, Italy and Germany sent a notice to China and Japan "proposing to stop the conflict; (1) both sides immediately stop all violent acts according to the following conditions; (2) there will be no mobilization or preparation for any hostile acts between the two countries; (3) the Chinese and Japanese combatants in Shanghai will withdraw from the contact points; (4) a neutral zone will be established to separate the combatants of both sides to protect the public concession. The area will be garrisoned by neutral military and police, and various methods will be formulated by the consular corps; (5) once the two countries accept the treaty, they will not make any demands or reservations in advance, but will quickly negotiate with the assistance of neutral observers or participants in accordance with the spirit of the Kellogg-War Pact and the December 9th League of Nations resolution to resolve all outstanding issues..." Nanjing generally accepted the terms, but Japan instead proposed non-military zones be established 20 miles around the major ports of Shanghai, Hankou, Tianjin, Qingdao and Guangzhou as a sort of counter proposal. Meanwhile at the League of Nations, Yan Huiqing was drawing attention to the Shanghai incident, obviously linking it to the Manchuria incident and advocated for Article 10 of the League of Nations Charter, which was in regards to respecting territorial integrity and political independence of league nations. The League of Nations agreed and organized a committee to investigate the Shanghai incident. On February 4th Chiang Kai-Shek would write in his diary "As long as we do not lose our national sovereignty and territory, and the Japanese invaders do not put forward unacceptable conditions, we can take advantage of the opportunity of British and American intervention to negotiate with them; we cannot take a tough stance when other countries intervene, which will lead to adverse effects." By late February US Secretary of State Henry Stimson warned Japan for the second time, that the Nine Power Treaty and other treaties had to be maintained. Then on the 23rd he sent a letter reiterating the nine-power treaty and Kellogg War Pact to the League of Nations in regards to the Shanghai situation. On the 29th, a four-point plan for mediating the Shanghai incident was adopted at the League of Nations. The objective was to swiftly establish a local ceasefire agreement with the assistance of civil and military officials from various countries present in Shanghai. Following this, a round-table meeting was to be convened with representatives from nations with vested interests in Shanghai to discuss security measures for the International Settlement, the French Concession, and the local residents, as well as to address other issues. Subsequently, representatives from Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and other nations unanimously supported the plan, with Chinese representative Yan Huiqing and Japanese representative Sato Naotake also indicating their general agreement in principle. However, on March 2, the situation escalated when the Japanese army compelled the Chinese forces to retreat to their second line of defense. The Japanese side adopted a more aggressive stance, presenting four stringent conditions and insisting that the Chinese army withdraw first before halting their attacks. The Japanese forces were only willing to withdraw to the Shanghai and Wusong areas and refused to do so under the supervision of neutral countries, which the Chinese government firmly rejected. On March 3, the Japanese army launched another offensive. On that same day, U.S. Secretary of State Stimson summoned Japanese Ambassador to the United States Idebuchi, condemning Japan for accepting the League of Nations resolution on February 29 while simultaneously escalating military operations. On March 3rd a ceasefire came into effect as a formal meeting was held at the British consulate. The Chinese delegation was led by Guo Taiqi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with military representatives Dai Ji, Huang Qiang, and seven others. The Japanese delegation included Shigemitsu Mamoru, Minister to China, and military representatives Ueda, Tashiro, and nine others. Officials from Britain, the United States, France, and other nations also participated in the meeting. During the negotiations, numerous contentious issues arose, particularly regarding the timing and location of the Japanese army's withdrawal. It would take until May 5th for a armistice agreement to be signed. The agreement designated Shanghai as a demilitarized zone, prohibiting China from stationing troops in the areas around Shanghai, Suzhou, and Kunshan, while permitting a limited number of Japanese units to remain in the city. China was permitted to maintain only a small police force within Shanghai. According to Chinese war reports, a total of 10,254 Japanese soldiers were killed or wounded in the Battle of Shanghai on January 28. According to Japanese data, a total of 3,091 Japanese soldiers were killed or wounded in the invasion of Shanghai: 620 Japanese soldiers were killed and 1,622 were wounded in the army; 149 Japanese soldiers were killed and 700 were wounded in the navy. Another Chinese report, stated the 19th Route Army and the Fifth Army suffered a total of 14,104 casualties 4,274 killed and 9,830 wounded. Among them, the 19th Route Army suffered 8,792 casualties, while the Fifth Army suffered 5,312 casualties. Shanghai residents faced bombardments from Japanese aircraft and artillery, resulting in over 6,080 fatalities, more than 2,000 injuries, 10,400 missing persons, and property losses totaling 1.6 billion yuan. At the onset of the war, the Japanese military intentionally targeted cultural institutions in Shanghai, such as the Commercial Press and the Oriental Library, leading to the total destruction of the Commercial Press, the oldest and largest publishing house in China. The Oriental Library, which housed millions of volumes, including over 100,000 rare ancient texts from the Song and Yuan dynasties and the Sikuquanshu compiled during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, was first devastated by artillery fire and then looted by Japanese forces. Reports from that time indicated that the Japanese army used trucks to transport the remaining books for seven consecutive days. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Thus what became known as the first battle of Shanghai had come to a not so swift end. Was its resolvement a victory for the League of Nations? Or was it just another indicator that the League of Nations was nothing but promises and pieces of paper? One man took notice of the Manchuria and Shanghai incidents, and he would soon bring Europe into a global war.  

Zhang Jun plans to move out and live independently, mainly to better focus on his video creation work. Wang Jun shows understanding and support, believing that one should live independently when financially capable.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Wang Jun says the meeting minutes are too simple and requests that important data and client feedback from the meeting should be documented. Zhang Jun responds that all the information is in his head and he will send it later.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Wang Jun asked Zhang Jun why he called at 2 AM, saying he was sleeping and missed the call. Zhang Jun replied that he had broken up, or more precisely, was dumped.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Zhang Jun asks Wang Jun why he looks worried when he just got promoted with a salary increase. Wang Jun responds that he had an argument with his wife at lunch, explaining that ...Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Wang Jun told Zhang Jun that he wanted to buy a Switch but it was too expensive. Zhang Jun was surprised and said that with his high salary, the Switch shouldn't be expensive for him. Wang Jun said that he had lost the right to manage property after getting married, so he really needed to save money to buy it.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Wang Jun told Zhang Jun that the fund he bought last year finally turned profitable. Zhang Jun congratulated him on earning money besides his salary. He said that since he started researching side jobs, he had found it really hard to make money other than from salary. Wang Jun agreed.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Gao Yue told Zhang Li that she hadn't expected Zhang Ying and Wang Jun to become a couple. Zhang Li agreed and wondered how they could get together after they stopped playing matches since they hardly talked when they played matches for many years.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Wang Jun told Zhang Jun that the AI painting large model had greatly increased the speed at which he produced design drawings. So, he had specifically opened a membership for it. Zhang Jun asked which large model Wang Jun used.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Wang Jun realizes the importance of Yuan Longping's agricultural research in Africa. An African farmer regards Yuan as his teacher. A Nigerian farmer learned planting techniques from a Changsha expert. Zhang Jun hopes both Africa and us get better.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Wang Jun says that although the government is addressing the issue of unfinished buildings, research institutions and influencers still remain unoptimistic about Chinese real estate companies. Zhang Jun remarks that this is normal as it is for homebuyers rather than for real estate companies.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Wang Jun wants to change his job and asks Zhang Jun for advice on job - hunting methods. Zhang Jun suggests using recruitment software first as there are more opportunities on it. But he also mentions that Wang Jun should perfect his resume.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Zhang Jun was trapped in an elevator yesterday, but maintenance arrived promptly. It was the elevator that he felt strange last week. Wang Jun was surprised that even Zhang Jun knew the elevator had something wrong, he still took it.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese, for your level. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, and more.Join other learners at https://www.maayot.com

Zhang Jun and his girlfriend plan to quit their jobs after receiving bonuses to travel the world. They've saved a modest amount but aim for budget-friendly destinations. Wang Jun thinks this plan is good.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun asked Zhang Jun where he went for fun during his vacation. Zhang Jun told Wang Jun that he spent a week in an unknown village in Yunnan. He thought that village had beautiful scenery and the houses had their own characteristics.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Zhang Jun plans to switch to an electrician job, feeling it's more dignified than office work. Wang Jun agrees but can't become a carpenter due to his mother's concern about prestige.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun says his wife won't let him use the Baidu.com drive anymore. Wang Jun and Zhang Jun thus discuss the Baidu.com drive and the issue of data privacy.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

The conversation is about Wang Jun's dissatisfaction with an AI painting course he bought online. The WeChat group for the course was disbanded. Zhang Jun understood Wang Jun's mood of hoping to use AI to improve the efficiency of working.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Gao Yue's boyfriend Wang Jun wants to introduce his friend to Zhang Li. So Gao asked Zhang if she wanted a boyfriend now.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun lamented that although he had not taken a break for 16 days, he still had not met his sales target. Zhang Jun reassured him that this was because the current market was not good.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun's company laid off 200 people at once. Due to their dissatisfaction with the compensation plan, dozens of those laid off are negotiating with the company. Zhang Jun lamented that Wang Jun's company is very cruel. In addition, he felt that the founder of Wang Jun's company is not like someone who would be impulsive to lay off so many people at once.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

In this lesson, Vicky and I discuss job hunting, in particular, updating a resume to reflect relevant work experience and internships. Join us as we talk about internships, resume writing (including the practice of "padding" one's resume) and work experience. Vocabulary: 1. 毕业(bìyè)– to graduate 2. 改(gǎi) – to revise 3. 简历(jiǎnlì) - resume 4. 股票(gǔpiào) - stocks 5. 研究员(yánjiùyuán) - researcher 6. 助理(zhùlǐ) - assistant 7. 相关(xiāngguān) – relevant, related 8. 实习(shíxí) - internship 9. 经历(jīnglì) - experience 10. 注重(zhùzhòng) – to value 11. 去年一年(qùnián yī nián) – all of last year 12. 细心(xìxīn) – careful，attentive, detail oriented Internship and Work Experience: 杨洋今年毕业。王军是杨洋父亲的朋友。(Yángyáng jīnnián bìyè. Wáng jūn shì yángyáng fùqīn de péngyǒu. )Yang Yang graduated this year. Wang Jun is a friend of Yang Yang's father. 王军：你开始找工作了吗？(Wáng jūn: Nǐ kāishǐ zhǎo gōngzuòle ma?) Have you started looking for a job? 杨洋：还没有。我现在在改简历。(Yángyáng: Hái méiyǒu. Wǒ xiànzài zài gǎi jiǎnlì.) Not yet. I am revising my resume now. 王军：你打算找什么工作？(Wáng jūn: Nǐ dǎsuàn zhǎo shénme gōngzuò? ) What job are you planning to look for? 杨洋：我以后想当股票研究员，所以我想找研究员助理的工作。(Yángyáng: Wǒ yǐhòu xiǎng dāng gǔpiào yánjiùyuán, suǒyǐ wǒ xiǎng zhǎo yánjiùyuán zhùlǐ de gōngzuò.) I want to be a stock researcher in the future, so I want to find a job as a research assistant. 王军：挺好的。你可以多写一些相关的实习经历。很多公司都很注重这部分。(Wáng jūn: Tǐng hǎo de. Nǐ kěyǐ duō xiě yīxiē xiāngguān de shíxí jīnglì. Hěnduō gōngsī dōu hěn zhùzhòng zhè bùfèn)Very good. You can write more relevant internship experiences. Many companies pay great attention to this part. 杨洋：明白。只是去年一年我始终没找到和做研究相关的实习。我只做过律师助理。( Yángyáng: Míngbái. Zhǐshì qùnián yī nián wǒ shǐzhōng méi zhǎodào hé zuò yánjiū xiāngguān de shíxí. Wǒ zhǐ zuòguò lǜshī zhùlǐ.) It's just that last year I never found an internship related to research. I have only worked as a paralegal. 王军：这个经历可以写到简历里。律师助理一般都是很细心的。研究员助理也需要很细心。( Wáng jūn: Zhège jīnglì kěyǐ xiě dào jiǎnlì lǐ. Lǜshī zhùlǐ yībān dōu shì hěn xìxīn de. Yánjiùyuán zhùlǐ yě xūyào hěn xìxīn) This experience can be written on your resume. Paralegals are generally very attentive. Research assistants also need to be very attentive.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Hidden Charms of Beijing: The Lao Lv Tea House Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/hidden-charms-of-beijing-the-lao-lv-tea-house Story Transcript:Zh: 在北京这个充满生活节奏和繁忙人口的都市中，有一个一直被人们忽视的角落。就在繁华的商业区和古老的胡同之间，躲藏着一个名为老吕茶馆的小店。这就是我们今天故事的开端。让我们把目光转向主人公，他们是这个小店的常年固定客户——张伟，李梅和王军。En: In the bustling city of Beijing, filled with a fast-paced rhythm of life and a busy population, there is a corner that has always been overlooked. Hidden between the prosperous business district and the ancient hutongs, there is a small shop called Lao Lv Tea House. This is where our story begins today. Let's shift our focus to the main characters, who are regular customers of this small shop - Zhang Wei, Li Mei, and Wang Jun.Zh: 在一个微风寒意生的清晨，张伟带着久别的笑容出现在老吕茶馆的门口，此时，店内只有李梅和王军在闲聊天南地北。看见张伟，李梅一扫平日嫣然的笑容，呈现出巾帼不让须眉的劲头。王军哈哈大笑，欢迎他的老友重返旧地。En: On a chilly morning with a slight breeze, Zhang Wei appeared at the entrance of Lao Lv Tea House with a long-lost smile. At that moment, only Li Mei and Wang Jun were casually chatting inside the shop. Upon seeing Zhang Wei, Li Mei's usual radiant smile instantly transformed into an air of determination that could rival any man. Wang Jun laughed heartily, welcoming his old friend back to familiar ground.Zh: 意气风发的张伟向店里朝去，在李梅和王军震惊的表情下，他轻轻放下旧时的摄影机，说：“我要去天安门广场拍照，你们能告诉我路吗？”看似一句简单的问路，却让在地北京人李梅和王军疑惑不解。En: With great enthusiasm, Zhang Wei approached the shop. Witnessing the shocked expressions on Li Mei and Wang Jun's faces, he gently placed down his old camera and said, "I'm going to Tiananmen Square to take photos. Can you guys tell me the way?" Seemingly a simple request for directions, it left Beijing natives Li Mei and Wang Jun puzzled.Zh: 李梅笑着看着张伟，“你在北京住了这么久，还需要我们告诉你去天安门的路？”与之同时，王军也不禁摇头笑道：“伟哥，我看你是年纪大了，当年的路都忘记了吧？”这里说的当然是张伟当年常去的天安门广场，他怎会连这条路都忘记?En: Li Mei smiled and looked at Zhang Wei. "You've lived in Beijing for so long, and yet you still need us to tell you how to get to Tiananmen Square?" At the same time, Wang Jun couldn't help but shake his head while laughing, "Wei Ge, it seems like you're getting older. Have you forgotten the way from back in the day?" Of course, they were referring to the Tiananmen Square that Zhang Wei used to visit frequently. How could he even forget that route?Zh: 张伟抬头看了看李梅和王军，面无表情地说: “不，我知道天安门在哪。我只是想知道，从这家茶馆到天安门，有没有新的路？”他低下头，摆弄着他手中的相机，似乎是在寻找新路的答案。En: Zhang Wei looked up at Li Mei and Wang Jun, his face expressionless, and said, "No, I know where Tiananmen Square is. I just want to know if there is a new route from this tea house to get there." He lowered his head, fiddling with the camera in his hand, as if searching for the answer to a new path.Zh: 李梅和王军你看我我看你的，他们瞪大了眼睛看着张伟，心中明了过来，他们都笑了。这并不是一个简单的问题，而是张伟对老朋友们的一个小小挑战。李梅潇洒一笑，“你以为咱们老北京就这一条路？等着，我带你走新的。” 然后她拿起自己的围巾，和张伟走出了老吕茶馆。En: Li Mei and Wang Jun exchanged glances, understanding dawning upon them. They both laughed. This wasn't just a simple question, but a small challenge from Zhang Wei to his old friends. Li Mei smiled gracefully, "Do you think old Beijing has only one route? Wait, I'll show you a new one." With that, she grabbed her scarf and walked out of Lao Lv Tea House with Zhang Wei.Zh: 故事结束了，朋友们，新的路并不是我们无法找到，而是需要我们用新的视角去发现。每个人，每个地方都有自己独特的魅力，就像李梅，王军和张伟一样，他们的堂堂正正，生活着自己的精彩。这是北京，这是他们的故事。En: The story comes to an end, my friends. The new path isn't something we can't find; it requires us to discover it with a new perspective. Each person and each place has its own unique charm, just like Li Mei, Wang Jun, and Zhang Wei. They live their own splendid lives with integrity. This is Beijing, and this is their story. Vocabulary Words:Beijing: 北京Bustling: 繁忙Rhythm: 节奏Overlooked: 忽视Prosperous: 繁华Hutongs: 胡同Shop: 小店Tea House: 茶馆Regular customers: 常年固定客户Chilly morning: 寒意生的清晨Long-lost: 久别的Radiant smile: 嫣然的笑容Determination: 决心Casually chatting: 闲聊天南地北Entrance: 门口Request: 请求Directions: 路线Puzzled: 疑惑不解Laughing: 笑道Route: 路线Expressionless: 无表情Gently: 轻轻Camera: 相机Searching: 寻找Glances: 看了看Understanding: 明了Charm: 魅力Splendid: 精彩Integrity: 堂堂正正Discover: 发现

Zhang Ying quit her job due to excessive work stress. Wang Jun, who still works, expresses envy and asks about Zhang Ying's future plans.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun, a colleague of Lin Meng and Zhang Jun was finally promoted. Although Wang Jun was very good at his job, he hadn't been promoted because he disliked the way his former leader worked. Now, Wang Jun's previous leader has left the group. Wang Jun has been promoted as a result.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun got divorced. Lin Meng and Zhang Ying were discussing the matter.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Gao Jin told Li Yang that he had a fight with Wang Jun in the morning. Li Yang asks if something happened.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun tells Zhang Jun that the Internet bar downstairs from their company is closed. When Zhang Jun hears this news, he thinks that the owner of the bar has gone back to his hometown, but Wang Jun tells Zhang Jun...Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: The Great Wall Adventure: A Journey of Kindness and Forgiveness Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/the-great-wall-adventure-a-journey-of-kindness-and-forgiveness Story Transcript:Zh: 在中国的唐朝心脏，矗立着一片不朽的古物，长城，巍巍壮观。正是在这穿越千秋的城墙上，张伟和李梅，两位背包客正在欢快地开始他们的自拍冒险。En: In the heart of the Tang Dynasty in China stands an immortal ancient monument, the Great Wall, majestic and magnificent. It is here, on this wall that has withstood the test of time, that Zhang Wei and Li Mei, two backpackers, joyfully embark on their selfie adventure.Zh: 他们站在城墙最高的一处观景平台上，姿态各异，嬉笑盈盈。张伟，胖乎乎的，神情倔强；而李梅则是甜嫩嫩的，面带纯真的笑容。他们的头戴精致的旅行帽，身上背着背包，正是旅人的形象。En: They stand on the highest observation platform of the wall, each with a different pose, filled with laughter and happiness. Zhang Wei, a chubby man, appears stubborn, while Li Mei is sweet and innocent, with a pure smile on her face. With their intricate travel hats and backpacks, they perfectly embody the image of travelers.Zh: 他们决定选择长城和蓝天为背景，与青磚灰瓦、巍峨壮观的长城合影。由于太过投入，没注意到摄像架前方摆着一排纪念品钥匙扣。En: They decide to capture a photo with the backdrop of the Great Wall and the blue sky, next to the grandeur of the green bricks and gray tiles. Being fully engrossed in the moment, they fail to notice a row of souvenir keychains placed in front of the camera stand.Zh: 此时，一阵山风吹来，裙摆飞扬，张伟手一滑，不小心按下了相机的快门。镜头下发生了意料之外的一幕，一个脚步踏到了钥匙扣上，只听“叮叮咚咚”一阵响声，钥匙扣就像多米诺骨牌般一个接一个地倒下，使得旁边的王军，一个正在接待游客的纪念品摊贩惊呆了。En: Suddenly, a gust of wind blows, causing Li Mei's skirt to flutter. In an accidental slip, Zhang Wei presses the camera shutter. Unexpectedly, the scene captured by the lens takes an unexpected turn. Someone accidentally steps on the keychains, causing a series of "ding dong" sounds as they fall over like dominoes. This startles Wang Jun, a souvenir vendor who was attending to tourists nearby.Zh: "天哪，你们瞧瞧，把我这些钥匙扣全搞翻了！"王军涨红了脸，指着地上的钥匙扣，大声责怪。En: "Oh my, look at what you've done! You've knocked down all my keychains!" Wang Jun's face reddens as he points at the scattered keychains on the ground, loudly expressing his anger.Zh: 虽然有些尴尬，但张伟和李梅还是尽力去弥补失误。他们一起帮忙捡起钥匙扣，然后赔礼道歉，并买下了几个打翻的纪念品钥匙扣。En: Despite feeling embarrassed, Zhang Wei and Li Mei do their best to rectify their mistake. They help pick up the fallen keychains, apologize sincerely, and even purchase a few of the knocked-over souvenir keychains.Zh: 王军最初的怒火也逐渐消弭，他开始理解这只是个意外，并接受了二人的道歉。他看着这对热情而善良的游客，心生欣赏，"年轻人，你们是来景区玩的，注意安全，别惹麻烦。"En: Gradually, Wang Jun's initial anger dissipates as he starts to understand that it was just an accident. He accepts their apologies and looks at these two enthusiastic and kind-hearted tourists with appreciation. "Young people, you came here to enjoy the scenic area. Be cautious and avoid causing trouble."Zh: 张伟和李梅笑着点头，感谢王军的谅解。他们将买到的钥匙扣挂在背包上，那一刻，他们似乎更加真切地感受到了这趟游园之旅的意义。En: Zhang Wei and Li Mei nod with grateful smiles, thanking Wang Jun for his understanding. They hang the purchased keychains on their backpacks, and in that moment, they seem to truly understand the meaning of their trip to the amusement park.Zh: 可能是因为这个小插曲，他们的旅行多了些许独特的记忆，那就是一笑泯恩仇，人心向善。李梅看着手中的钥匙扣，对张伟说：“这就是我们的纪念品，代表着我们的这次长城之旅和这个小小冒险。”En: Perhaps due to this small incident, their journey gains a unique memory – the ability to forgive and repay with a smile, and the goodness in people's hearts. Li Mei looks at the keychain in her hand and says to Zhang Wei, "This is our souvenir, representing our journey to the Great Wall and this little adventure we had."Zh: 就这样，他们即使在犯下错误时，也能轻松地接受，并真诚地去弥补，用他们的善良和互助感染着身边的人。毕竟，在人生的旅途中，不仅要记住风景，也要记住良善。En: And so, even when they make mistakes, they learn to accept them easily, sincerely rectify them, and infect those around them with their kindness and mutual support. After all, in the journey of life, we must not only remember the scenery but also remember kindness. Vocabulary Words:ancient: 不朽的monument: 古物majestic: 壮观magnificent: 巨大的backpackers: 背包客selfie: 自拍observation: 观景laughter: 笑声happiness: 快乐chubby: 胖乎乎的stubborn: 倔强的sweet: 甜美的innocent: 纯真的pure: 纯洁的travelers: 旅行者backdrops: 背景green bricks: 青砖gray tiles: 灰瓦souvenir: 纪念品gust of wind: 一阵山风flutter: 飘动accidental slip: 不小心滑动camera shutter: 相机快门unexpected: 意外的dominoes: 多米诺骨牌vendors: 摊贩scattered: 散落的anger: 愤怒rectify: 纠正apologies: 道歉

Wang Jun tells Zhang Jun that Lin Meng is so anxious that she can't sleep because she hasn't gotten any money for her new project. Zhang Jun felt that at this stage, Lin Meng needed to adjust her mindset.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

The war between Israel and Palestine is not over. Recently, Israel rejected the United Nations General Assembly's ceasefire resolution. Wang Jun and Zhang Jun are discussing this matter.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun tells Zhang Jun that Lin Meng is so anxious that she can't sleep because she hasn't gotten any money for her new project. Zhang Jun felt that at this stage, Lin Meng needed to adjust her mindset.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Gao Jin heard that Wang Jun's son spent 100,000 yuan on the game last month. Li Yang was surprised by this. Gao Jin told Li Yang that Wang Jun's son would spend so much money because he not only bought a lot of props but also gave out a lot of gifts.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: The Sartorial Serendipity: A Tale of Fashion and Fortuitous Encounters Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/the-sartorial-serendipity-a-tale-of-fashion-and-fortuitous-encounters Story Transcript:Zh: 轻飘飘的秋叶在清晨的北京空气中翻飞着，大街两旁的法国梧桐画出一幅别样的画卷。在这幅画卷的一角，咖啡店里的李伟正在紧张地准备着今晚的正式活动。他热衷的工作，精准的时间观念以及对细节的捕捉，使他在这都市中的杂音中找到了宁静的和弦。En: The light autumn leaves fluttered in the morning air of Beijing, painting a unique picture along the streets lined with French plane trees. In one corner of this picture, Li Wei in the coffee shop was nervously preparing for tonight's formal event. His passion for work, precise sense of time, and attention to detail allowed him to find a sense of tranquility amidst the noise of the city.Zh: 钟声临近，李伟怀揣着期待，穿上他认为将会获得赞扬的衣服向中友购物中心的四楼活动室走去。身着他心爱的藏青色羊毛衫，暗色修身裤，加上一双亮眼的白色布鞋，显得颇有派头。他亲手选的这套装扮，他确信，无人会穿得比他更好。En: As the clock approached, Li Wei, filled with anticipation, dressed in what he believed would earn him praise, made his way to the fourth-floor activity room at the Zhongyou Shopping Center. His beloved navy blue wool sweater, dark slim-fit pants, and a pair of striking white canvas shoes made quite a statement. He was certain that no one would be dressed better than him in this outfit he personally chose.Zh: 然而，当李伟边喝着香槟，边寻找熟悉的面孔时，突然发现了张梅，同样身着藏青色羊毛衫和暗色修身裤，再加上一双白色布鞋，只是她的腿部线条更显柔和，曲线更别致。他们的衣着如此相似，他们出现在同一场合，让大家都感到诧异。En: However, as Li Wei sipped champagne and searched for familiar faces, he suddenly spotted Zhang Mei, also dressed in a navy blue wool sweater, dark slim-fit pants, and a pair of white canvas shoes. Only her figure had a softer outline and more unique curves. Their attires were so similar and their presence at the same occasion surprised everyone.Zh: 这对于李伟来说就像一场尴尬的红毯秀，他注视着张梅，张梅也注视着他，她们的衣服成为群人议论的焦点。李伟低头笑了，不是内心的孤独，而是被自己的疏忽逗笑。虽然举步维艰，但内心的力量驱使他挺直了脊梁，决心以他的方式化解这个尴尬。En: For Li Wei, this felt like an awkward red carpet show. He gazed at Zhang Mei, who also gazed back at him, and their clothes became the focus of everyone's discussion. Li Wei lowered his head and chuckled, not out of inner loneliness but out of amusement at his own neglect. Though it was challenging, an inner strength compelled him to straighten his back and resolve to handle this awkward situation in his own way.Zh: 这时，王军作为活动的组织者敏感地察觉了这股僵持的气氛，他奔忙地走上前来，试图在任何一方感到尴尬之前，将这股气氛消散。他开怀大笑着握住李伟和张梅的手，说："你们太棒了，这是我们活动中最特别的一对搭档。"他将原本的尴尬化为了别致的风趣。En: At that moment, Wang Jun, the organizer of the event, sensibly sensed the tense atmosphere and hurriedly approached, attempting to dispel it before either party would feel uncomfortable. He warmly laughed, shaking hands with both Li Wei and Zhang Mei, saying, "You guys are amazing! You're the most special pair in our event." He turned the initial awkwardness into a unique sense of humor.Zh: 李伟也笑着接受了这个解释，并告诉大家，他和张梅显然有着相同的品味。尴尬瞬间在王军的话语中寻得了出口，被风趣和自嘲所替代。展现在众人面前的，是他们平和、自然、端庄的气场，而这个尴尬的开始，转化为了一个趣味的瞬间。En: Li Wei accepted this explanation with a smile and told everyone that he and Zhang Mei evidently had similar tastes. Instantly, the awkwardness found an outlet in Wang Jun's words, replaced by wit and self-irony. What appeared before everyone was their calm, natural, and dignified aura, and the awkwardness that started became a moment of amusement.Zh: 这个晚上，李伟的笑声比任何人要大，任何人要多。他倾听着这座都市的喧嚣，也倾听着内心的安静。他怀揣着这个奇葩的经历，让自己的人生从此多了一份轻松和自在。En: That night, Li Wei's laughter was louder and more abundant than anyone else's. He listened to the city's clamor and also listened to the quietude within himself. With this unique experience in mind, he added a sense of relaxation and ease to his life.Zh: 于是，故事有了一个令人满意的结局。尽管他们穿着相同的衣服，但他们面对的态度却让周围的人看到了他们内心的光芒。这个晚上的北京，藏青色的羊毛衫在灯光下更加璀璨，而他们之间发生的一切，为这座都市增添了一个别样的故事。En: Thus, the story had a satisfying ending. Despite wearing the same clothes, their attitudes allowed the people around them to see the radiance within their hearts. In the Beijing of that night, the navy blue wool sweater sparkled under the lights, and everything that happened between them added a different story to this city. Vocabulary Words:light: 轻飘飘autumn: 秋叶leaves: 叶子morning: 清晨Beijing: 北京picture: 画卷streets: 大街French plane trees: 法国梧桐corner: 一角coffee shop: 咖啡店nervously: 紧张地preparing: 准备着formal event: 正式活动passion: 热衷work: 工作precise: 精准sense of time: 时间观念attention to detail: 对细节的捕捉tranquility: 宁静的和弦clock: 钟声anticipation: 期待dressed: 穿着praise: 赞扬fourth-floor: 四楼activity room: 活动室nava blue: 藏青色wool sweater: 羊毛衫slim-fit pants: 修身裤white canvas shoes: 布鞋striking: 亮眼的

Wang Jun watched the news that more than 300 million people in China have chronic pain problems. He thought it was horrible. Wang Jun and Zhang Jun are discussing this problem.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun is attending Zhang Nan's wedding. Wang Jun gave Zhang Nan a big red envelope.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun and Zhang Nan are discussing the impact of the implementation of "recognizing housing but not loans" in Beijing and Shanghai.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun and Zhang Jun both saw the news that "People in Shandong can drink 60 billion yuan of liqueur a year!". Therefore, they discussed enterprises of liqueur and people who spent a lot of money on liqueur.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun told Lin Meng that Zhang Nan's husband has resigned from a state-owned enterprise. Lin Meng was surprised to hear the news.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Lin Meng plans to buy a house. Wang Jun asked her what her budget was. Lin Meng said she wants to buy a house worth around 7 million yuan. Wang Jun sighs that it's too expensive. No wonder Lin Meng has been working part-time.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Zhang Nan's brother plans to become a pilot in an airline company after graduation. Zhang Nan's family thinks this job is a bit dangerous. Wang Jun, Zhang Nan's colleague, comforted Zhang Nan by saying that everyone has to face the danger in life.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com 

China has liberalized restrictions on overseas tourism. Zhang Nan sighed that the special ticket to Southeast Asia she bought last year was finally available. Wang Jun said that he had always been concerned about the special ticket to Europe, but there was no suitable one.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Lin Meng and Wang Jun watched the live broadcast of the World Cup final. They are discussing their feelings after watching the final.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Wang Jun asked Lin Meng which football player she liked best. Lin said her favorite player is Kaka, who no longer plays for Brazil. Both of them lamented that Kaka's peak years were too short.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Gao Yue and Zhang Li both heard that Wang Jun wanted to apply for living in Canada. Zhang Li thinks that Wang Jun's work direction should be easy to apply for, but Gao Yue says Wang Jun's English is not very good and may not meet the requirements.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Footprints presents "The Incredibles" where you will meet ordinary but incredible individuals. For over a decade, Wang Jun has been dedicated to writing and posting about carbon-related topics online. His articles have inspired many to turn their attention to carbon neutrality, which echoes the low-carbon developing goal China is aiming to achieve.

Wang Jun, the purchasing manager of a hotel chain, is making inquiries with a supplier he found online.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Entrepreneur Li Meng introduces her project to investor Wang Jun. After seeing Li Meng's project introduction, Wang Jun had some questions.Join other motivated learners on your Chinese learning journey with maayot. Receive a daily Chinese reading in Mandarin Chinese in your inbox. Full text in Chinese, daily quiz to test your understanding, one-click dictionary, new words, etc.Got a question or comment? Reach out to us at contact[at]maayot.com

Om kinesiska hamnar, järnvägar, mobilmaster och företag. Kinas pengar flödar över världen. Bör vi vara oroliga över det? Eller glada? Kinesiska företag investerar i infrastruktur och köper upp företag över hela världen. Tunga länder inom EU vill begränsa de kinesiska företagens framfart och Sveriges försvarsminister Peter Hultqvist (S) säger i en intervju med Konflikt att Sverige varit "naiva" inför bland annat Kinas framfart. Finns det fog för oro? Detta avsnitt av Konflikt fokuserar på frågan "Vad vill Kina egentligen?". Med hjälp av Sveriges Radios korrespondent Hanna Sahlberg söker vi svar på den frågan i den kinesiska maktens centrum, i Peking. Vi hör makroekonomen Wang Jun, vid "Kinas center för internationella ekonomiska utbyten", och Europaforskaren Jin Ling, vid det "Kinesiska forskningsinstitutet för internationella frågor", båda statligt anknutna tankesmedjor. Vad händer när ett svenskt företag köps upp av kinesiska ägare? Ekots reporter i Västsverige, Victor Jensen, har besökt ingenjörsföretaget T-Engineering i Trollhättan, som numera ägs till hundra procent av det kinesiska statliga storföretaget Dongfeng. "Att vara ägd av en kines är en komplexitet", säger VD Klas Lundgren. En av de anställda, Quan Strömberg, ursprungligen från Kina, ser stora skillnader i företagskultur, men menar att den oro som ibland uppstår när kinesiska investerare visar intresse för utländska företag är obefogad. Jerker Hellström, forskare på Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut, FOI, och försvarsminister Peter Hultqvist intervjuas av Konflikts Ivar Ekman. Programledare: Ivar Ekman ivar.ekman@sverigesradio.se Producent: Anja Sahlberg anja.sahlberg@sverigesradio.se

Since an early age, Wang Jun has been fascinated with the fundamental philosophical question: What is life? The ex-CEO of Chinese genome sequencing giant BGI and founder of China's highest-valued precision health start-up iCarbonX now aims to help people answer that question for themselves. Wang entered Peking University, China's top university, at the age of 16 after achieving the highest college entrance exam score in his hometown of Dongtai county, in Jiangsu province. During the early 1990s, he pursued his interest in the fundamentals of intelligent life by studying artificial intelligence. In one experiment, he discovered that computers could actually figure out how a lady beetle maneuvers to catch food, exactly like it does in real life. Watch A Video As iCarbonX's Wang Jun Chats With China Money Network: But working at the dawn of the personalized computer era, it became clear to Wang that computers could not think like a human – at least not yet – with the kind of computer powers and digital data available back then. So Wang, born in 1976, turned his attention to another potential golden key to unlocking the secrets of life: Genomes. In 1999, after having studied artificial intelligence, computer science and biophysics, he participated in founding BGI, which represented China’s contribution to the US$3 billion Human Genome Project. While at BGI, Wang managed three rounds of fundraising of about US$1 billion and led the company's acquisition of a U.S. public company, Complete Genomics. He continued scientific research by participating in the effort to sequence and analyze the rice genome and the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus. He left BGI in 2015 (though he remains a board member and shareholder) to start iCarbonX because he believes genes alone can't decode life. "If I eat more, I become fat. If I run marathons, the body reacts differently. But my genome remains the same," he said. iCarbonX’s goal is to help people understand and manage their lives better by combining genomics with every other health factor, including metabolites, bacteria and lifestyle choices, to create a digitalized form of life, an avatar or sorts, for everyone willing to pay at least US$30 for a basic product or much more for advanced solutions. "I can use this digitalized form of me to see how my body will react to a cup of coffee (or a drug or daily exercises), for example," he explained. To date, iCarbonX has invested US$400 million in seven companies to form a Digital Life Alliance, an information ecosystem designed to fulfill Wang's vision. Fives U.S. companies, SomaLogic, HealthTell, PatientsLikeMe, AOBiome, GALT, one Israeli company Imagu Vision and Chinese firm Tianjin Robustnique Corporation Ltd. each bring core technologies such as protein biomarker discovery, bacterial therapy and immunosignaturing to the alliance. iCarbonX is also launching its first product, a digital health management platform named Meum. It will provide different levels of life data and dozens of applications to users for better control of their well-being. With Chinese technology giant Tencent Holdongs Ltd. being iCarbonX's major investor, the company is also developing a product that will be available to over 800 million active users of Tencent's immensely popular Wechat app, Wang said. Wang's belief in the life-technology interface go beyond commercial concerns. He's convinced that a digitalized form of individuals could ultimately be able to live on in silicon form even after their carbon-based human bodies perish. He has declared such ambitions many times, openly and privately. It is too early to speculate on that, but there is at least one problem Wang faces trying to fulfill iCarbonX's commercial promise. The start-up achieved a US$1 billion valuation in a short six-months after being established, making it the fastest technology unicorn in the world.

Entrevista com João Wang Jun, intérprete de Português do time de futebol de Shandong, recorda da sua época do ensino de língua portuguesa em Shanghai há mais de 20 anos

Entrevista com João Wang Jun, intérprete de Português para o fisioterapeuta brasileiro do Clube de Futebol chinês, Luneng. Ele fala da sua vida em Moçambique e do trabalho no time de futebol chinês

Entrevista com João Wang Jun, intérprete de Português do time de futebol de Shandong, recorda da sua época do ensino de língua portuguesa em Shanghai há mais de 20 anos