Formation & Neutrality
Shanghai’s International Settlement arose in the mid‑19th century, when Western powers wrested concessions from the Qing government following the Opium Wars. Over time, various foreign concessions merged under British control to form the International Settlement. The French maintained a separate “French Concession,” while American interests folded into the broader settlement. By the 1930s, this zone was home to a mosaic of Western and Asian communities, bound by municipal councils that operated under Western‑style legal and administrative frameworks.
Because this enclave was theoretically “neutral” in China’s internal struggles, many Chinese civilians flocked there during times of unrest. However, neutrality did not mean complete isolation. When war flared, especially in 1937, the Settlement became a stage where foreign governments kept a watchful eye on the conflict. Chinese civilians sought refuge behind its barricades, while international businesses thrived even as the rest of Shanghai’s neighborhoods suffered. This unique status allowed the International Zone to become a critical hub for commerce, diplomacy, and espionage, making it a focal point for all combatants eager to wield influence.
Because this enclave was theoretically “neutral” in China’s internal struggles, many Chinese civilians flocked there during times of unrest. However, neutrality did not mean complete isolation. When war flared, especially in 1937, the Settlement became a stage where foreign governments kept a watchful eye on the conflict. Chinese civilians sought refuge behind its barricades, while international businesses thrived even as the rest of Shanghai’s neighborhoods suffered. This unique status allowed the International Zone to become a critical hub for commerce, diplomacy, and espionage, making it a focal point for all combatants eager to wield influence.
Shanghai 1928
Importance for Refugees
While Western nations were closing doors to refugees fleeing European fascism, Shanghai’s International Zone was one of the few places in the world that did not require extensive visas. Jewish families escaping the Holocaust arrived in large numbers, settling particularly in the Hongkou district, sometimes referred to as “Little Vienna.” Chinese diplomats such as Ho Feng Shan—later recognized as “Righteous Among the Nations”—quietly issued visas to desperate Jewish refugees in Nazi‑occupied areas like Austria, knowing they could reach safety in Shanghai.
Consequently, the city became a vibrant if overburdened refuge. Even as Japan’s grip on China tightened, the foreign‑administered International Settlement provided a legal buffer that temporarily shielded many newcomers. The population ballooned, and makeshift shelters and communal services sprang up. Local philanthropic efforts, including support by wealthy families like the Sassoons and Kadoories, made an enormous difference in resettling traumatized arrivals.
The Fiedler family poses in front of their home on Tongshan Road. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of Eric Goldstaub
Related Book
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Shanghai's International Zone: A Nexus of War, Intelligence, and Survival - GuideShanghai's International Zone: A Nexus of War, Intelligence, and Survival dives into the heart of one of history's most contested cities. Through a turbulent blend of diplomacy, espionage, and urban warfare, this book captures Shanghai's transformation into a pivotal battleground during the Asia-Pacific War. From its intricate intelligence networks and the unique role of its foreign population to the bravery of civilians enduring a months-long siege, Shanghai's International Zone offers a sweeping account of resilience amidst the devastation. Discover how Shanghai became both a refuge and a battlefield, where the lines between ally and enemy blurred in a relentless fight for survival.
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