Four big families of the Republic of China

The four big families of the Republic of China (Chinese: 蔣宋孔陳四大家族; pinyin: Jiǎng-Sòng-Kǒng-Chén sì dà jiāzú)^[1] are four politically influential families in the Republic of China, first in Mainland China, then Taiwan. They were responsible for much of China's management of finance, politics, economy, and law. The four big families begin with the Chinese surnames Chiang, Soong, Kung, and Chen.^[1]

The concept was believed to be coined by Chen Boda, a political figure and political theorist of the People's Republic of China.^[2]

Families

The following families and their descendants are listed below. Each indentation is at least one generation down, but not necessarily the next generation. Not all the descendants are shown.

Chiang family notables

Chiang Kai-shek (蔣中正, 1887–1975), first President of the Republic of China^[3]
- Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國, 1910–1988), President of the Republic of China, son of Chiang Kai-shek
  - Eddie Chiang (蔣孝勇, 1948–1996), politician
  - Winston Chang (章孝慈, 1941–1996), Soochow University president
  - John Chiang (蔣孝嚴, 1941–), politician
    - Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安, 1978-) Mayor of Taipei

Soong family notables

Charlie Soong (宋嘉樹, 1863–1918), businessman, friend of Sun Yat-Sen
- T. V. Soong (宋子文, 1891–1971), businessman^[1]
- Soong sisters
  - Soong Ai-ling (宋藹齡, 1890–1973), married to H. H. Kung
  - Soong Ching-ling (宋慶齡, 1893–1981), married to Sun Yat-sen, Honorary President of the People's Republic of China (1981), acting President of the People's Republic of China (1968–1972), acting Chairperson of the National People's Congress (1976–1978), Vice President of the People's Republic of China
  - Soong Mei-ling (宋美齡, 1898–2003), married to Chiang Kai-shek, First Lady of the Republic of China
- Soong Zi-on (宋子安, 1906–1969), Guangzhou bank chairman

Kung family notables

H. H. Kung (孔祥熙, 1881–1967), businessman, politician^[1]

Chen family notables

Chen Qimei (陳其美, 1878–1916), founder of Tongmenghui, Generalissimo of Shanghai, Mentor of Chiang Kai-shek
- Chen Guofu (陳果夫, 1892–1951), Governor of Jiangsu, founder of CC Clique
- Chen Lifu (陳立夫, 1900–2001), Head of Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, Minister of Education, founder of CC Clique
  - Chen Shaocheng (陳紹誠, 1979-), entrepreneur
    - Chen Jiaxin (陳家昕, 1988-), business executive

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Chinanews.com.cn. "Chinanews.com.cn" "四大家族"后人:蒋家凋零落寞宋、孔、陈家低调. Retrieved on 2009-08-26.
^ Ng Hong-mun (21 December 2011). 四大家族. 生活語絲 column. Wen Wei Po (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Hong Kong. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
^ Big5.news365.com.cn. "Big5.news365.com.cn Archived 2011-07-07 at the Wayback Machine". 歷史研究外的“四大家族”. Retrieved on 2009-08-26.

[Chi1-1] Chinanews.com.cn. "Chinanews.com.cn" "四大家族"后人:蒋家凋零落寞宋、孔、陈家低调. Retrieved on 2009-08-26.

[2] Ng Hong-mun (21 December 2011). 四大家族. 生活語絲 column. Wen Wei Po (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Hong Kong. Retrieved 18 October 2018.

[3] Big5.news365.com.cn. "Big5.news365.com.cn Archived 2011-07-07 at the Wayback Machine". 歷史研究外的“四大家族”. Retrieved on 2009-08-26.

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