Sino-Japanese Conflict Whirlpool Cao Rulin

Cao Rulin, one of the most influential figures in modern history of China, gainednotoriety for betraying his country and flattering Japan when China was in animmediate danger. He was called as “pro-Japanese clique” and “traitor” by theChinese people after signing on the document Twenty-one. Cao Rulin received abusefrom most of the Chinese people. Based on our investigation, the writer finds thatmost of the studies of the historical relationship about China and Japan just brieflymention Cao Rulin when refer to the document Twenty-one. However, detailedresearches on Cao Rulin as the single study object, especially on the reasons of theformation of “pro-Japanese” and traitorous actions of Cao Rulin can not be seen bothin China and in Japan.According to the guidelines of theories on Maxist materialism, this thesis makesa fairly judgment about Cao Rulin by analyzing the internal and external factors forhim of being a pro-Japanese clique. This thesis collects historical information of CaoRulin’s life studying in Japan. By analyzing Cao Rulin’s relationship with hisJapanese friends, his priorities as an excellent student, his own experiences andthoughts and the Japanese policy towards the Chinese student, this thesis points outthe reasons for the formation of the “pro-Japanese” attitude of Cao Rulin. It finds outthat the external factors play dominant roles. Besides, this thesis mentions theSino-Japanese diplomatic affairs that Cao Rulin took part in after returning China.From then on, his attitude towards Japan changed and he walked his path on“pro-Japanese”. After signing on the document Twenty-one, Cao Rulin becomes atotal “pro-Japanese” clique, even a traitor. The reason for him as a traitor is not onlythe changes on the relationship of China and Japanese, but also his wrong decisionsfor seeking his own selfish interests. In conclusion, on one hand, Cao Rulin is not ableto escape from his destiny under such kind of historical environment; on the otherhand, he makes the wrong choices under the allure of his private profits. These twofactors lead Cao Rulin to the road of being a traitor.