Li Hongzhang

Marquis Suyi of the First Rank Li Hongzhang GCVO
李鴻章
Li Hongzhang wearing the Breast Star of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, 1896
Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall
In office January 9, 1875 (1875-01-09) – November 7, 1901 (1901-11-07)
Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall
In office January 16, 1872 (1872-01-16) – January 9, 1875 (1875-01-09)
Assistant Grand Secretary
In office August 27, 1868 (1868-08-27) – June 22, 1872 (1872-06-22)
Viceroy of Zhili and Beiyang Trade Minister
In office July 8, 1900 (1900-07-08) – November 7, 1901 (1901-11-07)
Preceded by	Yulu
Succeeded by	Yuan Shikai
In office August 29, 1870 (1870-08-29) – August 28, 1895 (1895-08-28)
Preceded by	Zeng Guofan
Succeeded by	Wang Wenshao
Viceroy of Liangguang
In office May 24, 1900 (1900-05-24) – July 9, 1900 (1900-07-09)
Preceded by	Tan Zhonglin
Succeeded by	Tao Mo [zh]
Viceroy of Huguang
In office February 2, 1867 – August 29, 1870
Preceded by	Guanwen
Succeeded by	Li Hanzhang [zh; ja; ko]
Viceroy of Liangjiang (acting)
In office May 23, 1865 (1865-05-23) – October 27, 1866 (1866-10-27)
Preceded by	Zeng Guofan
Succeeded by	Zeng Guofan
Personal details
Born	(1823-02-15)15 February 1823 Hefei, Qing Empire
Died	7 November 1901(1901-11-07) (aged 78) Beijing, Qing Empire
Spouse(s)	Lady Zhou Lady Xiaolian Lady Mo
Relations	Li Wen'an [zh] (father) Li Hanzhang [zh; ja; ko] (brother) Eileen Chang (great-grandchild)
Education	Jinshi degree in the Imperial Examination
Occupation	Official, general, diplomat
Awards	Order of the Double Dragon Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.[1] Grand Cross of the Order of the Red Eagle.[2]
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	Qing Dynasty
Branch/service	Qing Army
Rank	General
Commands	Beiyang Fleet Huai Army
Battles/wars	Taiping Rebellion First Sino-Japanese War

Li Hongzhang, Marquess Suyi (Chinese: 李鴻章; also Li Hung-chang; 15 February 1823 – 7 November 1901) was a Chinese statesman, general and diplomat of the late Qing dynasty. He quelled several major rebellions and served in important positions in the Qing imperial court, including the Viceroy of Zhili, Huguang and Liangguang.

Although he was best known in the West for his generally pro-modern stance and importance as a negotiator, Li antagonised the British with his support of Russia as a foil against Japanese expansionism in Manchuria and fell from favour with the Chinese after their defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War. His image in China remains controversial, with criticism on one hand for political and military defeats and praise on the other for his success against the Taiping Rebellion, his diplomatic skills defending Chinese interests in the era of unequal treaties, and his role pioneering China's industrial and military modernisation. He was presented the Royal Victorian Order by Queen Victoria. The French newspaper Le Siècle described him as "the yellow Bismarck."