Diplomacy & Public Service
Distinguished
Wellington Koo
1888 – 1985
Diplomat who refused to sign the Treaty of Versailles
Distinguished is level 3 of 4 in the China Hall of Fame: sustained excellence over a career, widely honoured at home. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
One of the most accomplished Chinese diplomats of the twentieth century, who represented China at the Paris Peace Conference and helped found the League of Nations and the United Nations.
At Paris in 1919 Wellington Koo argued against the transfer of Germany's rights in Shandong to Japan, and China refused to sign the Treaty of Versailles. He later served as foreign minister, briefly as acting president of the Republic and as ambassador to France, Britain and the United States.
He was a signatory to the United Nations Charter in 1945 and later served as a judge of the International Court of Justice.
He was a signatory to the United Nations Charter in 1945 and later served as a judge of the International Court of Justice.
Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will check it.