Chen Bijun- The Untold Story of A Revolutionary, Collaborator, and Defiant Spirit

by Jenny Chan

Chen Bijun (陈璧君), the wife and steadfast supporter of Wang Jingwei—one of the most polarizing political leaders in 20th-century China. Chen Bijun’s life was defined by unwavering devotion, bold defiance of societal norms, and eventual suffering. Her story is not only a window into the tumultuous era of Republican China but also an opportunity to explore her contributions through a feminist lens. By examining her role as a partner, advocate, and survivor, one can better understand how women like Chen Bijun navigated patriarchal structures while leaving indelible marks on history.

A Privileged Upbringing and Revolutionary Awakening

Chen Bijun was born on November 5, 1891, in Penang, Malaysia (then part of British Malaya), into a wealthy overseas Chinese family. Her father, Chen Gengyuan, was a successful merchant who provided his children with access to education—a privilege that was rare for girls at the time. Growing up in a multicultural environment, Chen Bijun was exposed to progressive ideas and developed a strong sense of independence early in life. This foundation would later shape her worldview and drive her involvement in revolutionary movements.
While definitive proof is lacking, many accounts suggest that before meeting Wang Jingwei, Chen Bijun demonstrated her rebellious spirit by refusing to accept an arranged marriage—a common practice among affluent families at the time. Determined to forge her own path, she reportedly fled her home in Penang and traveled to Japan to pursue her education and escape the union. Whether or not this specific incident occurred, it reflects the broader pattern of defiance and autonomy that characterized her life. Her eventual partnership with Wang Jingwei, built on shared ideals rather than familial obligation, underscores her commitment to breaking free from societal constraints.
This act of defiance was extraordinary for a woman of her era, showcasing her determination to break free from societal expectations and chart her own course. It also foreshadowed her future willingness to challenge conventions, whether in her personal life or her political activities. By running away from the arranged marriage, Chen Bijun asserted her autonomy and set the stage for her partnership with Wang Jingwei, whom she married out of love and ideological alignment rather than familial obligation.
Her family’s affluence allowed her to pursue studies abroad, and she eventually enrolled in a school in Japan—a hub for Chinese intellectuals and revolutionaries during the late Qing Dynasty. It was here that she first encountered Wang Jingwei, a charismatic and ambitious young leader within the Tongmenghui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance). Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in shared ideals and mutual admiration.

A photo of Tongmenghui in 1907 left: Wang Jingwei, second to the right: Chen Bijun

Wang Jingwei- Her Comrade and Lover

The fateful encounter between Chen Bijun and Wang Jingwei occurred in Tokyo, where both were actively involved in anti-Qing revolutionary activities. Wang Jingwei, already a rising star in the movement, had gained recognition for his eloquence, intellect, and commitment to overthrowing the Qing Dynasty. Chen Bijun, equally passionate about reform and liberation, was drawn to his vision of a democratic republic free from imperial rule.
One of the most dramatic episodes in Chen Bijun and Wang Jingwei’s early revolutionary careers was their involvement in a failed assassination attempt on Prince Chun (醇亲王), the father of Emperor Puyi and regent of the Qing Dynasty. In 1910, Wang Jingwei led a group of revolutionaries in planning an audacious attack aimed at destabilizing the Qing regime and inspiring further uprisings across China. The plot targeted Prince Chun because of his influential position within the imperial court; eliminating him, they believed, would deal a significant blow to the dynasty’s authority.
Chen Bijun played a crucial supporting role in the operation. Using her family’s wealth and social standing, she helped secure explosives and other materials necessary for the mission. She also acted as a liaison between conspirators, ensuring that communication remained covert and efficient. Despite these preparations, the assassination attempt ultimately failed due to poor execution and internal leaks.
When the plot was uncovered, Wang Jingwei and several co-conspirators were arrested and sentenced to death. However, international pressure and sympathy for the revolutionary cause led to Wang's sentence being commuted to life imprisonment. During this dark period, Chen Bijun demonstrated remarkable resilience and loyalty. She worked tirelessly to keep the revolutionary spirit alive, organizing protests and campaigns to demand Wang’s release. Her efforts paid off when he was eventually freed after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911.
The failed assassination attempt underscored the risks and sacrifices inherent in their revolutionary work. For Chen Bijun, it reinforced her resolve to fight for a new China—even if it meant enduring hardship and danger alongside her husband.
Their relationship blossomed against the backdrop of political upheaval. Chen Bijun admired Wang Jingwei’s courage and idealism, while he valued her intelligence, resourcefulness, and unyielding support. Unlike many arranged marriages of the time, their union was based on genuine affection and ideological alignment. They married in 1912, shortly after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, solidifying their bond as both partners and collaborators in the struggle for China’s future.
From the start, Chen Bijun played a pivotal role in Wang Jingwei’s career. Her family connections and financial resources proved invaluable in funding revolutionary activities, while her organizational skills helped mobilize support for the cause. Together, they formed a formidable team, navigating the treacherous waters of early 20th-century Chinese politics.

Chen Bijun and Wang Jingwei in 1935

Wang Jingwei's Controversial Split with Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek

At one point, Wang Jingwei stood shoulder-to-shoulder with two towering figures of modern Chinese history: Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek. All three were members of the Kuomintang (KMT) during the early years of the Republic of China, working toward the shared goal of unifying the fractured nation under a republican government. However, ideological differences and power struggles soon drove them apart.
By the late 1920s, tensions between Wang Jingwei and Chiang Kai-shek reached a breaking point. While Chiang sought to consolidate military control over China, Wang advocated for a more inclusive coalition that included left-leaning factions aligned with the Communist Party. These disagreements culminated in Wang’s marginalization within the KMT leadership, pushing him further toward radical solutions.
During World War II, Wang Jingwei made the fateful decision to collaborate with Imperial Japan, believing that Japanese occupation posed less of an existential threat than the rise of communism under Mao Zedong. In 1940, he established the Reorganized National Government of China in Nanjing, a puppet regime widely condemned as treasonous. His reasoning, though controversial, reflected his conviction that communism represented a greater long-term danger to China’s sovereignty and stability than Japanese militarism.
A lot of his decisions at the time came from the “palace faction”. The term "palace faction" in the context of Chen Bijun refers to her central role in the political and personal dynamics surrounding her husband, Wang Jingwei, during his tenure as a leader within the Kuomintang (KMT) and later as the head of the Japanese-backed Reorganized National Government of China (1940–1945). While not an official organization, the "palace faction" describes a loose network of loyalists, advisors, and allies who operated under Wang Jingwei’s influence—or, more specifically, under the sway of those closest to him, including Chen Bijun. As a key figure within this inner circle, Chen Bijun leveraged her close relationship with Wang to shape decisions, manage relationships, and consolidate power. Her involvement extended far beyond traditional gender roles, making her one of the most influential women in Chinese politics during this tumultuous era. Through her resourcefulness, determination, and unwavering loyalty, she became a critical player in navigating the complex and often treacherous world of Republican China’s political landscape.
Ultimately, Wang Jingwei’s role during the war sealed his legacy as a traitor in the eyes of many. Yet, even as his reputation crumbled, he famously declared, "I did not lose China" —a defiant statement suggesting that he believed his actions, however unpopular, were motivated by a desire to preserve what remained of China’s autonomy amid global chaos.

Wang Jingwei and Chiang Kai-shek in 1926

Suffering in Silence: The Final Years

Following Japan’s defeat in 1945 and the collapse of the puppet government, Wang Jingwei died in 1944, leaving Chen Bijun to face the full weight of public condemnation alone. Arrested by the Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek, she was tried and sentenced to life imprisonment for her role in the collaborationist regime. When the Chinese Civil War ended in 1949 and the Communists emerged victorious, Chen Bijun was transferred to a Communist prison, where she spent the remainder of her life.
Despite offers of pardon, Chen Bijun refused to recant her beliefs or apologize for her actions. Her steadfastness earned her respect among some contemporaries, even as it deepened her isolation. She reportedly told interrogators, “If you think I am guilty, then punish me—but do not ask me to deny my loyalty.” This refusal to compromise ultimately cost her freedom and dignity.
Chen Bijun passed away in 1959, still incarcerated and largely forgotten by the outside world. Her death in a Communist prison symbolized the tragic arc of her life: a woman who defied convention and fought fiercely for her ideals, only to be abandoned by history.

Chen Bijun in 1951

Sources:

1. Web Article from Wenxue City Blog (2023):
   "Chen Bijun and Wang Jingwei: A Controversial Legacy." Wenxue City Blog , 2023, www.wenxuecity.com/blog/202306/76168/8815.html . Accessed [insert access date].
   
2. Yang, Zhiyi (Book):
   Yang, Zhiyi. Poetry, History, Memory: Wang Jingwei and China in Dark Times . Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 2023. Print. ISBN 978-0-472-05650-7.
   
3. Zhihu Article:
   "The Life and Influence of Chen Bijun." Zhihu , 2023, zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/90136678. Accessed [insert access date].
   
4. Web Article from Wenxue City Blog (2022):
   "Revisiting the Role of Chen Bijun in Modern Chinese History." Wenxue City Blog , 2022, www.wenxuecity.com/blog/202208/38115/34699.html . Accessed [insert access date].