Letter from the Secretariat

Welcome Address

• Conference Director: Justin May

• Experience: Second year at EBMUNC, previously Assistant Director for European Commission and Administrative Affairs.

• Personal Background: Senior at East Brunswick High School, involved in various extracurricular activities (Academic Team, Science Olympiad, Asian Club, Spring Track, Varsity Swimming).

• Hobbies include photography, food appreciation, and spending time with friends.

• Passion for Model UN discovered in sophomore year; hopes to inspire future generations.

Committee Overview

• Theme: Cultural and Political Identity

• Committees:

  • UNESCO and SpecPol: Traditional General Assembly committees.

  • CSW and WHO: Economic and Social Councils focused on specific issues.

  • African Union and Arab League: Regional bodies addressing 21st-century issues.

  • Crisis Committees (Guomindang and Communist Politburos): Tackle issues of China in the 1930s-40s.

• Emphasis on education, debate depth, and controversial issues during discussions.

• Importance of negotiation and diplomacy emphasized.

• Staff efforts highlighted for preparation and background guides.

Final Note

• Excitement for the conference and encouragement for delegates to prepare.

• Contact information provided for queries.

Letter from the Director

Introduction

• Director of Chinese Communist Cabinet: Shirley Song

• Previous experience: Assistant Director for SOCHUM in March 2015 at EBMUNC.

• Involvement in various high school activities (National Honor Society, Academic Team Captain, Mock Trial President).

Historical Context: China 1937

• Background: Historical tension and impending conflict within China, leading to revolutionary changes.

• Importance of understanding historical context and personal cabinet roles for effective participation.

Committee Goals and Structure

• Delegates will influence the course of events through their decisions.

• Strong recommendation for thorough research on press releases, communiques, and directives.

• Emphasis on understanding each delegate’s unique role within the cabinet.

• Contact information provided for additional guidance.

Founding of the Republic of China

Sun Yat-sen’s Contributions

• Born in 1866; advocate for political reform through revolutionary organizations.

• Three Principles of the People: Nationalism, Democracy, Economy.

• Focus on uniting China against foreign imperialism.

The Xinhai Revolution

• Wuchang Uprising (October 10, 1911) triggered nationwide revolts against the Qing Dynasty.

• Establishment of the Republic of China with Sun Yat-sen as Interim President.

The Communist Party and Early Developments

Rise of Communism in China

• Founded post-1917; initial meetings and growth in membership throughout China.

• Historical context of Marxism’s influence on Chinese intellectuals.

Warlord Era (1917-1927)

• Political turmoil post-Yuan Shikai’s death.

• Regional warlords gained power, leading to fragmentation of government authority.

First United Front

• Cooperation between the KMT and CPC aimed at challenging warlord rule.

• Adoption of strategic policies at the First National Congress of the KMT.

Significant Historical Events

• Northern Expedition: Military campaign to eliminate warlords’ influence.

• Nanchang Uprising: A significant response to KMT's repression of Communists.

The Long March and Japanese Aggression

The Long March

• A strategic retreat undertaken by the Communists, fundamentally reshaping their leadership dynamics.

• Resulted in Mao Zedong gaining prominence as a leader.

Japanese Invasion

• Prelude to escalating tensions between China and Japan, leading to broader conflicts.

• The initial invasion of Manchuria set the stage for further Japanese aggression in China.

Key Events and Concepts of 1930s China

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident

• Trigger of widespread national unity against Japanese aggression.

• Led to collective rallying and mobilization of resources across China.

Foreign Relations and Strategic Alliances in the 1930s

• Dynamics between China, the Soviet Union, Germany, and foreign powers.

• Emphasis on improving military capabilities through international partnerships.

Director’s Questions for Debate

1. Influence of the Communist Party amidst KMT governance.

2. Ideological differences between Nationalist and Communist ideologies.

3. Historical methods that led to the Communist victory.

4. Political climate of the international community and implications for this committee.

Positions & Portfolio Powers

• Overview of key roles within the Communist Cabinet, detailing responsibilities and strategic domains:

  • Director of Military Operations: Tactical decision-making head.

  • Director of Finance: Economic decision-making.

  • Director of Intelligence: Espionage and information collection.

  • Defense Minister: Overseeing security and defense measures.

  • Additional roles detailed to encompass various aspects of governance and military strategy.

Works Consulted

• List of references that include historical accounts, analysis, and significant literature pertaining to the Chinese Revolution and Communist Party history.