Biography
Foreword
His Excellency Ambassador Eric Edward Hotung, C.B.E (Commander of British Empire), known as He Hongzhang by his Chinese name, is the eldest grandson of Sir. Robert Hotung – last of the Merchant Princes and a leader of the Chinese community.
Carrying on the fine tradition of Sir Robert, H.E. Ambassador Hotung was enthusiastic in promoting public welfare and other charitable causes. Owing to his wide participation in, and unstinting support for, international social activities, he became an appointee of several counties and institutions, as a director or advisor. For instance, starting from the 1980’s he became a member of the boards of directors of the Georgetown University in the United States and the Research Centre of International Studies in the Philippines. He also served as Council Member and Trustee of the American National Committee on U.S. – China Relations and the Song Qing Ling Foundation in China. In 1999, after the Timorese people won independence through years of fighting in bloody battles, H.E. Ambassador Hotung utilized Hotung family funds by donating money, a ship to return refugees, and establishing the Hotung Institute for Timor-Leste.
As an old friend of the Chinese people, H.E. Ambassador Hotung warmly supported her and generously donated money to her cultural and educational causes. Since the 1980’s his total donation to China (excluding Hong Kong) has reached tens of millions RMB. He positively contributed to the understanding and improvement of relations between China and the United States. Chinese leaders like Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, Zhu Rongji, Ye Jianying, Deng Yingchao, Yang Shangkun have all personally met him.
Brief Introduction
About the man
H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung was an international businessman of Anglo-Chinese lineage. His grandfather, Sir Robert Hotung (1862 – 1956), was a philanthropist and an influential figure in China and Hong Kong, and he was a leader of Hong Kong’s Chinese Community for several decades. His friends included three historic Chinese leaders – Dr. Sun Yat-sen, father of modern China; K’ang Yu-wai, the respected philosopher and reformer and Generalisimo Chiang Kai Shek. Sir Robert was also the prime mover behind three Round Table Conferences to bring peace among China’s feuding warlords. He also financed Dr. Sun’s attempts to overthrow the Manchus. A true patriot, Sir Robert solved the Seamen’s Strike of 1925 and allowed his ships ‘Clara’ and ‘Fook Po’ to be scuttled in an attempt to thwart the Japanese entry into Hong Kong harbour.
The present Chinese leaders respect the memory of Sir Robert Hotung in their cordial and friendly treatment of his grandson
Flashback
H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung’s father, Edward Hotung (1902 – 1957), was a prominent banker, philanthropist and founder of the Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange in Hong Kong. He was Treasurer of the Chinese War Chest in Shanghai during the Japanese occupation. He was injured in a Japanese bombing attack on Hong Kong and as a result, lost both his legs.
As a young man during the war, H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung worked as a volunteer orderly in the emergency ward of Hong Kong’s Tung Wah Hospital. Later in the war, H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung and his family were placed under house arrest and forcibly repatriated to Shanghai by the Japanese.
Following his education at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung entered the business field and administered his family’s estates. His achievements in charitable, commercial and diplomatic undertakings have been extensive and he has won the respect of leaders in China and the United States where he has worked for the benefit of these countries and Hong Kong.
The Start Of H.E. Ambassador Hotung
As a young man, he pioneered in Hong Kong the conception of low-cost housing for the overwhelming number of people pouring into the territory at that time (1964).
With the double inheritances of his grand-father’s and father’s estates, his philanthropic activities continued and grew. He established a Hotung Trust Fund to assist the needy and deserving. For decades this Hotung Trust Fund sponsored countless worthy young people in Hong Kong to further their education abroad and return to Hong Kong as qualified professional people to assist Hong Kong grow into the metropolis it is today.
He established the Hotung Institute for International Studies (now known as the Hotung Institute for International Relations) to enhance understanding between China and the United States, sponsoring several events to bring together the Chinese people and the American people and he has constantly striven to improve Sino-U.S. relations.
Social and Political ContributionS
1982
In his capacity as Financial Advisor on Chinese Affairs at the Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, and as Counselor of Dr. Henry Kissinger's International Counselors, H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung arranged in 1982 a visit to Washington by a Chinese Delegation led by Ambassador Wong Bing Nan, Ambassador to Poland, and a signatory to the Treaty of Geneva. This Delegation met with the then Vice-President, George Bush and Secretary of State, George Schultz, in an attempt to diffuse the tense atmosphere prevailing at that time and to counteract the accusations by the Chinese of U.S. hegemony. This visit led to a cross-exchange with a Chinese Delegation from the Beijing Institute of Strategic Studies and the Chinese Friendship Association paying a return visit to Williamsburg, Virginia in 1984. It was led by Huan Xiang, First Chargé d'affairs to Great Britain in the Fifties prior to diplomatic recognition between the two countries. Huan Xiang was regarded as the counterpart of Dr. Kissinger and Dr. Brezezinski in the U.S. Government.
1983
In 1983, the Hotung Institute organized a meeting with Chairman Deng Xiao Ping and his officials with U.S. Government representatives, Messrs Melvin Laird and Brzezinski, on the historic occasion of Chairman Deng's first pronouncement of "One Country, Two Systems."
1986
In 1986, H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung sponsored the first of several financial and trade symposiums in New York with Shang Ming of the Bank of China and the People's Bank of China, represented by Madam Chen Mu Hua, Chairman of the Bank and formerly Minister of Foreign Trade. He also arranged a reception in Washington with U.S. business leaders to participate in the Forum.
1987
In October 1987, H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung and the Hotung Institute at the invitation of the U.S. Senate, sponsored a meeting in the Senate, entitled "The China Trade Caucus - U.S.-China Relations in the Decade Ahead and its influence on Hong Kong and Shanghai." The Conference was attended by high officials of both governments, and significantly H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung received clearance from the U.S. Department of Commerce to defray the expenses.
1988
In 1988, H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung sponsored an important Symposium in Washington to discuss U.S. trade policies towards Hong Kong and China. This conference was attended by U.S. Senators and Chinese officials, and contributed later to a softening of the U.S. Senate's stance and brought about the easing of protectionism. This benefited Hong Kong. In a letter to the then Prime Minister, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, on behalf of other Senators, Senator Chic Hecht of Nevada, praised H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung for organizing the Symposium, which he said significantly influenced the Senate's decision. This act was acknowledged by the Governor of Hong Kong. Later that year (1988) he sponsored a further meeting in Washington, D.C., marking the visit of a Study Group, led by Mr. Xu Jian Tun, Chief of Xin Hua News, Hong Kong (Xu ultimately defected to the U.S.). This was followed by an important visit in 1988 by the Foreign Minister, the Hon. Qian Qi Chen, co-sponsored by the National Committee on U.S. - China Relations and H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung, marking the 10th Anniversary of Normalization of U.S. - China Relations. H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung was the sole non-American Director of the National Committee on U.S. - China Relations.
1990
In June 1990, the Hotung Institute co-sponsored a Conference at the U.S. State Department with the U.S. Business Council "Reassessing U.S. - China Ties: Economic Policy and the Role of Business". The topics discussed included "Hong Kong: In the Middle at Risk" and was aimed to ensure the continuation of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Status for China. This continuation of MFN status has great bearing upon Hong Kong's financial well being. The Conference was attended by business representatives of the U.S. and members of the U.S. Congress and government officials, Hong Kong businessmen, academia and the press. In July 1990, H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung sponsored a meeting for a Delegation of six Chinese mayors, led by Zhu Rongji, then Mayor of Shanghai and later a Premier of China, at the U.S. Senate, attended by high U.S. officials including Senator Mansfield, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and others.
1991
In 1991, H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung paid a visit to Beijing to the then Party Secretary, Jiang Zemin (later, the President of the People Republic of China) and Yang Shangeun and Liu Hwa Chiu, high government officials, which was televised and covered in the national press.
Conclusion
H.E. Ambassador Eric Hotung’s philanthropic endeavors of helping Hong Kong, China and others is continued through his son, the Hotung Institute and the Ho-Tung Cultural Development Foundation.
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Details
Name
His Excellency Ambassador Hotung, Eric Edward C.B.E
Credential
The Ambassador at Large of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for Economic Affairs, International Trade and Investments
Date of Birth
June 8th 1926
Name of Spouse
Patricia Anne née Shea (Married January 17th 1959)
Parents
Edward Sai Kim Hotung (son of Sir Robert Hotung) Mordia Alice, née 0' Shea
Nationality
British (Anglo-Chinese)
Educational Details
1936 / 1947
- Francis Xavier College Shanghai
- Georgetown University Washington DC (BSS)
- NY Inst of Finance NYC
Career Timeline
Security Analyst Henry Hentz & Co NY
Admin Assistant to Director Pacific Area Foreign Distributors Division, General Motors
Member Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Hong Kong Gold & Silver Exchange
Chairman Hotung International Ltd.
Area President 1961,
Commissioner 1966 ~ St. John Ambulance
Founder of the Hotung Institute for International Studies Ltd
Founder Chairman Hong Kong Development Ltd and Cosmopolitan Properties & Securities Ltd.
Special Advisor on Chinese affairs: Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC
Honorary Life Member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Hong Kong
Trustee Marine Military Academy Harlingen Texas
Vice President Operation Drake
Honorary Member Scientific Exploration Soc
Member of Kissinger's International Counselors
COMMITTEE MEMBER OF SONG QING LING FOUNDATION, CHINA
Life Member Hong Kong Arts Center
Life Member Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Friend of St. George’s Chapel Windsor
Honorary Member 22nd Special Air Service Regiment
Director US National Committee on US-China Relations
Founder Hotung Institute of International Relations
US Senate China Trade Caucus “in the decade ahead”
Patron Hotung Secondary School (for girls)
Economic and Financial Advisor to Tianjin Government of China
Trustee Spirit of Normandy International Appeal
Honorary member of the Normandy Veterans Association
(Order of St. John — 1966)
Patron, The Royal British Legion, The Hong Kong Ex-Servicemen's Association and The World War II Veterans Association
Advisor to the Wai Hai Operation Research Association Museum
Special Economic and Financial Advisor to CNRT (The National Council of Timorese Resistance), East Timor
Ambassador at Large of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Chairman of China AIDS Fund, Inc.
Honorary Vice President of the Scientific Exploration Society
Awards & Titles
has accomplished many things
1959
Member of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
1966-68
Commissioner of St. John Ambulance Brigade, Hong Kong
1972
Freeman City of San Francisco
1974
Das Kommitur Cruz Mit Stern (Liechtenstein)
Knight of Magistral Grace Pro Merito Melitensi of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Grand Caballero do Ia Ordennde lsabela Catholica
1977
Honorary Life member of the royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Hong Kong
1982
Banden-Powell World Fellowship, World Scout Foundation
Speeches
Remembrance Day 2002
November 10th 2002, Hong Kong
Thank you very much, that was very elegant and your usual generous self. I like to welcome all of you here today for the annual luncheon that follows the solemn services and ceremonies of the commemoration. The celebration to commemorate the memory of our glorious dead who in the flower of their youths gave their precious lives so that we could live our lives in harmony with our families, so it would seem… and the subsequent decades we basked in our comfort and complacency forgetting those times when faced by the horror of terrorism and the shape of Fascism, which affected not only the stability and civilization in Europe but also that of the world. It calls to mind the final solution, that is the application of extermination of the Jewish race and Judaism.
Fortunately for mankind, Britain who stood alone at that time after Dunkirk and its people were the only bulwark between Nazi Germany fascism and freedom. And from its ranks, they would produce an outstanding leader in the form of Winston Churchill who cobbled together a coalition of countries like the Americas, Canada, the United States, Africa, Russia, China, the Caribbean, India, Burma. They all came together to forge in company an army of a new day which vanquished the enemy and put the legions of night and terror to flight. Peace followed and we were complacent and thought that it would go on indefinitely….. But last year terrorism once again raised its hideous head and combining ancient fanaticism and modern machinery mercilessly slaughtered thousands of Americans whose country is well known for its compassion, which compassion is the core and credo of its international philosophy.
In the continuing mirror of time, as Shakespeare would have said, there was no reason to believe that this disaster would not be followed by others. James Billington the eminent librarian at the library of Congress has written a book “Fire in the minds of men”, indeed there are fires brewing in the minds of some men. Satanic fires which would unleash a murderous venom on the rest of the world. For Americans are not alone in this. They are not exclusive targets any more. We are all in the basket so to speak and legitimate fair game. Bali should not have been a surprise for us. When we think of the sacrifice that were made by the youths who gave up their golden days so that we would be able to have today, those who died in Kohima, Imphal, the Solomons, Coral Sea, Midway, Tarawa, Iwojima, Okinawa, Saipan, Guam, all who sacrificed their lives on the altar of freedom. We must be true to their memory. And one of the ways to honor that truth is to stay plugged in and to work closely with the authorities. We have to realize that this is a nameless foe, very often invisible and we have to be very alert to the nuances of what they might give of their plans.
On a less macabre note, I would like to invite you all to join me in a toast to President Bush who has been a rock in the storm, to Prime Minister Blair and to that great friend of ours, from across the sea, President Jiang Zemin of China.
Thank you.
Path To Peace Award 2003
June 12th 2003, New York
Monsignor Martino, Monsignor Migliore, President Xanana Gusmao, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great privilege for me to be here tonight and to receive this award. I am humbled by the fact that so many much more distinguished people have received this award and I’m really quite undeserving of being in such exalted company.
Perhaps no other words in the lexicon of human language so epitomizes man’s search for the closeness to divinity. To be the children of God must be the ultimate objective of all mankind. It is an elusive aspiration. One has only to look at one’s Christmas cards to see the emergence and reemergence of the words “Peace on earth to men of goodwill”. And to that end, we aspire to be the children of God. No cortege, however humble or opulent, leaves the eternal resting ground without the word “peace” incorporated in its final prayer.
But peace is not a given privilege. Peace commands a price and the price is eternal vigilance. Some decades ago, in the last century, Europe was in the hands of a disturbed leader whose activities rocked the world. With his avowed aim of destroying Judaism and exterminating it, his atrocity upon atrocity, shocked the very foundation of civilization so much so that Christianity itself teetered on the brink.
But thanks to the determination of the free people of the world who produced champions in the form of Churchill and Roosevelt, a coalition of nations was born, and a new army, an army of a new day was fielded, which drove the evil legions of night into flight. Together with Australia and New Zealand and the Commonwealth, all of this was achieved.
The world was to enjoy peace, but complacency and moral laxitude came into place. Through a combination of ancient fanaticism and modern machinery, a sudden murderous attack was fostered on the American nation which caused the slaughter of thousands of innocent people, a country which has no active problem at the time with anyone. It was a diabolical and vicious act, calculated to cause terror and the most severe of dislocations.
America, a nation which is known and has been known for its love of freedom, generosity and compassion to the less fortunate, even to fallen foes and former enemies, her record has no equal in the catalogue of nations. This compassionate nation was suddenly to bear the brunt of this barbaric savagery. Fortunately, the peace-loving nations of the world and its people produced the American lion in the form of President Bush, and with his friend, Tony Blair, Prime Minister Blair, and across the sea President Jiang Zemin of China, united in attempt to contain the implication of this disaster and the havoc that it was intended to foster, thus contained.
It has been a long and continuing struggle which will last for a long time to come, longer than we think. It will involve our children, our grandchildren. But it is a task to which we must bend ourselves. The price of peace demands this of us – eternal vigilance and cooperation with authority. For the enemy is unseen, is everywhere, strikes when and where they plan, who [inaudible] in a different time. There is a satanic fire burning in the minds of some men, who desire only of horror, devastation and desolation. And this fire, this hideous head of terrorism must be contained and quenched with courage and vigilance, as exhibited by President Xanana Gusmao, who exhibited the highest form of moral, and physical and philosophical courage over those difficult times that faced Timor. I am sure you are all aware of what I speak. On this occasion I would like to thank Monsignors Martino, Migliore, for this award, which I accept with deep thanks and humility. Thank you. Thank you all. |
Dedication Ceremony of the Eric Hotung International Law Center
Let me begin by thanking you, President DeGioia, the Georgetown faculty and staff for your hospitality done in Georgetown’s own inimitable style. We are gratified by the attendance of so many personages both national and international who have come here today, particularly Justice O’Connor who adds even more luster to this glittering assembly which includes our alumni and supporters.
Approximately 57 years ago I was first brought to Georgetown. The war had ended in Europe. There was great electricity in the air – a spirit of victory. American military commanders, the Pattons, the Halseys and the MacArthurs had carried out their duties to destroy the enemy. American prowess stood at the pinnacle of military achievement.
But 5 years earlier, the reverse had been true. The allies had taken a whipping in Europe at the hands of the Germans. The English Channel was the only bulwark preventing Germany from enslaving all of Europe.
At that time there emerged from the Western democracies, two geniuses — Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. Together, they forged a coalition of free nations, the gallant Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, the countries of the Caribbean, the Empire of India, and other commonwealth nations, the free French and the fighting Poles, who incidentally took Monte Cassino, the seemingly impregnable Benedictine fortress monastery fanatically defended by the elite First German a crack parachute division, leaving open the road to Rome, and shortening the time for ultimate victory to the Allies.
In a telling addition to the coalition — the defiant and the indomitable Russians and Chinese — these forces came together to form an army of a new day, that put to flight the Swastikarred Black Legions of Night together with their allies the knights of Boshido of Imperial Japan. The period of stability and peace that ensued for several decades seemed as though it would continue indefinitely.
There was another side to the coin of American military might and that was her compassion which has never been equaled in the history of the catalogue of nations. The Marshall plan introduced at that time was intended to rebuild the shambles that was Europe. As Churchill said so eloquently, this plan was the “most unsordid act in history.”
Nevertheless, 60 years later, on a bright September day, America was viciously attacked by a combination of fanaticism and modern machinery. Several thousand innocent American citizens and dozens of their colleagues from the international community were to perish in this vindictive assault. It aroused the American lion in the form of President Bush and unleashed the full fury and might of the enraged American nation. And the wrongdoers were sought out in their strongholds, in their caves and ravines, by elements of the special forces taking the fight to the enemy and buying valuable time for intelligence and financial agencies to prepare, investigate and act.
For those who are aware of the Bali, Madrid, and other atrocities, and even more, the repugnant treatment of hostages, these acts of terrorism indicate that the free world is locked in a mortal struggle with murderous thugs who neither ask nor give any quarter, who never give warning as to when, where, how, and who they will strike.
During a conversation with the Chinese Minister of Defense General Cao Gang-chuan, we agreed that once the poisonous mandrake of terrorism has been plucked from the earth, a substitute will have to be implanted before a young generation is inculcated with the same satanic hatred for the free world in general and the US in particular.
This education of the young must be based on the rule of law on which democracy rests, and without which no civilization can exist.
Georgetown has always been there for America military. Her first sons fought in the civil war. Hence our colours the Blue and Grey. Her sons and daughters have filled the ranks of past administrations, at the Senate and Congress, and even the White House. And she is today in the forefront of implementing the rule of law, a further gift of compassion for democracy, so that those who have never experienced the freshness of democracy or the sweetness of freedom will have a chance to rethink their basic philosophies.
I feel privileged to be a part of this effort where Georgetown is taking a leading role to bring about the rule of law to those whose paths will take them to this University, and from which I hope will shine — a beacon of light and hope to the children of darkness.
I have said my piece. My moment is full. Thank you for your attention.