QIN Lihai, HAN Xinyi
In 1948, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) issued the “May 1st Slogan”, proposing the convening of a new Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and establishment of a democratic coalition government. Zhang Yuanji, a renowned publisher, educator, and collector, was a respected patriotic democrat whom the CPC actively sought to win over. Through his contact, communication, and interactions with the CPC, Zhang’s perception of the CPC underwent a transformation, from doubt and cautious observation, to careful consideration, and ultimately to recognition, support, and endorsement. Before the liberation of Shanghai, he refused to cooperate with the Kuomintang government. In the early days after Shanghai’s liberation, having gained a deeper understanding of the CPC and envisioned hope for China’s future, he gradually strengthened his cooperation with the CPC. Regarding the invitation to attend the CPPCC, after repeated efforts by the CPC to persuade him, Zhang moved from initial polite refusal and hesitation to ultimately deciding to travel north to attend the conference, where he actively offered suggestions and proposals during the conference. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Zhang closely collaborated with the CPC, fully supporting and endorsing its leadership. The transformation of Zhang’s perception of the CPC reflects the broader trajectory of many patriotic democrats who, before and after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, gradually came to recognize, accept, and support the CPC.
