Liu Shangqing
Liu Shangqing | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1868 Tieling County, Liaoning, Qing dynasty |
| Died | 1947-02-20 New York, United States |
| Other names | Haiquan |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, educator, banker |
| Years active | Early 20th century–1941 |
| Known for | Governor of Fengtian, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Interior, Vice President of the Control Yuan |
Liu Shangqing (; 1868 – 20 February 1947), also recognized by his courtesy name Haiquan (), was an influential Chinese political leader prominent during the early decades of the 20th century.
Life and career
Originating from Tieling County, Liaoning (historically known as Fengtian), Liu initially pursued a profession in education before transitioning to governmental service in 1911 under the authority of the Viceroy of the Three Northeast Provinces. After completing his legal education, he advanced to high-ranking positions within the provincial banking sector and subsequently served under warlord Zhang Zuolin.
In 1919, Liu was appointed acting director of the finance department in Heilongjiang, with his official confirmation occurring in 1920. Concurrently, he led a banking institution based in Yongji, Shanxi. By September 1925, he assumed the role of operations director for the Chinese Eastern Railway. Returning to Fengtian in 1926, he took charge of the provincial finance department and, that November, became president of Northeastern University. On Zhang Zuolin's endorsement in June 1927, Liu was named agricultural minister within the Beiyang government and later that year was appointed governor of Fengtian. He stepped down from his university presidency in August 1928.
Following Zhang Zuolin's demise, Liu allied himself with Zhang Xueliang and the Nationalist government. From December 1930 until December 1931, he held the office of interior minister while simultaneously fulfilling various committee responsibilities. Subsequently, Liu participated in Beijing’s municipal administration until 1937, after which he occupied several posts within Anhui Provincial Government before resigning by year-end. In December 1941, he was designated vice president of the Control Yuan.
After the conclusion of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Liu traveled to the United States for medical care and passed away in New York on 20 February 1947 at age 80. His body was returned to China and laid to rest in Haidian District in August 1948.