Chen Xiangmei(Anna Chennault)-- Making a mark on the world 

cctv.com 09-29-2005 09:51

A legend in the Chinese community,Chen Xiangmei(Anna Chennault)is famous for many reasons. She was married to Gen. Claire Chennault, founder of the Flying Tigers. She was the first female reporter for the Central News Agency. She was the first person of Chinese ancestry to be a success in politics in the United States, and in the American capitol was known as "the hostess of Washington." She has also acted as a "secret ambassador" in cross-strait relations. Numerous TV series based on her life have been produced and broadcast in Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.

Chen Xiangmei first heard of her future husband, Gen. Claire Chennault, when she was still a primary shool student. Her father was Gen. Chennault'ss friend. When she worked as the first female reporter for the Central News Agency, she frequently covered the heroic behaviors of Gen. Chennault and the Flying Tigers. During this period, she fell in love with this man, a man one year older than her father. After some effort, they won her family's permission to marry. But after only ten years, Gen. Chennault passed away due to lung cancer. Although their marriage only lasted for 10 years, she cherishes these memories and has written about the legendary love story in her books.

After losing her husband, Chen Xiangmei struggled to make something of herself in America's political circles. She was the first person of Chinese ancestry to be a success in politics in the United States, and in the American capital was known as "the hostess of Washington." She also contributed in improving Sino-US relationships.

In 1981, Chen Xiangmei established the "Chen Xiangmei Education Prize" in more than a dozen cities in mainland China in order to encourage outstanding teachers. Each year she travels to various cities to present the award.

Chen Xiangmei expressed her hope on Up-Close that China could grow increasingly stronger, so she can always proudly say she is from China.

--Written By He Jieping

Editor:Hu  Source:CCTV.com