The Observing And Referencing Of Japan By The Chinese Reformers: On Reports And Comments About Japan In Shih-wu Pao

Shih-wu pao established by reformers of late Qing Dynasty, was one of the earliest newspapers to carry reports about Japan after the War of 1894. A study of the reports and discussions in shih-wu pao between August 1896 and August 1898 reveals that they reflected the reformers' views on Japan. The key issues focused on here include the content of the reports and the comments about Japan's reform. First, the reports about Japanese politics, economy, education and diplomacy were meant to show the progress of Japan since its reform. Second, the comments were a direct illustration of the Chinese reformers' views on constitutional reform. It is concluded that the observing and referencing of Japan by the reformers constituted an important part of learning from advanced countries by modern Chinese, and that, consequently, Japan has made a notable impact on modern China.