Before K-pop idols or TikTok stars, there was Tcheng Ki-Tong—a 19th-century trailblazer who bridged East and West through sheer intellect and charm. 🎓 Starting his journey at Fujian Naval Academy, Tcheng caught the eye of French supervisor Prosper Giquel, who fast-tracked him to study public law at Sciences Po in Paris. Talk about a glow-up! 💫
By the 1880s, Tcheng became a key diplomat for the Qing court in Europe, blending traditional Chinese scholarship with cutting-edge Western ideas. Imagine him dropping knowledge bombs about China’s culture in salons while sipping espresso—true main character energy. ☕️📜
His legacy? Pioneering cross-cultural dialogue long before globalization became a buzzword. 🌐 'He didn’t just represent China; he made it relatable,' says one historian. From naval drills to diplomatic thrill, Tcheng’s story proves curiosity and grit can change how the world sees a nation.
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From naval academy to diplomacy: the story of Tcheng Ki-Tong
cgtn.com