Background
Mr. Chu Hsing-yuan was born at Tahsin Hsien, Metropolitan District in 1880.
Mr. Chu Hsing-yuan was born at Tahsin Hsien, Metropolitan District in 1880.
Mr. Chu received thorough education in Chinese and was a graduate of the Peking Imperial University with the degree of Chu-jen, equivalent to M. A. After his graduation Mr. Chu went to Japan where he studied for two years in the Chung Yin Academy.
Upon the return to China Mr. Chu was appointed Councilor of the Board of Foreign Affairs. At the same time he taught in the Academy of High Learning for Metropolitan Graduates (Chii-shih or Ph. D.); the Academy for Civil Officials; the Peking Imperial University and the School for Translation.
In August 1912 Mr. Chu was appointed junior secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In September 1913 he was promoted to be senior secretary of the same Ministry. In October the late President Yuan awarded him the Third Order of Chiaho.
In December 1913 Mr. Chu was appointed First Secretary to the Chinese Legation at Washington D. C. Before proceeding to Washington to assume office Mr. Chu travelled extensively in Europe.
In July 1918 Mr. Chu was again appointed secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to act concurrently as Councilor of the Ministry. In August 1918 he was appointed a member of the Commission to supervise the Examination for Diplomatic and Consular Officials. In the same month he was appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Communications.
In January 1920 Mr. Chu was awarded the Second Order of Wenfu. In October 1920 he was appointed Commissioner of Foreign Affairs for Zhili with headquarters at Tianjin to succeed Huang Yung-liang who was then appointed to be Chinese Minister to Vienna. In February 1921 Mr. Chu was conferred the Second Order of Chiaho and in October 1922, the Second Order of Tashou Chiaho.