Wearing Many Hats: Chinese Muslim General Bai Chongxi and the Chinese Muslim Association during the War of Resistance

Abstract

Abstract Bai Chongxi’s illustrious military career needs no introduction for military historians. What is less recognized is his influence on the development and integration of Chinese Muslims into the KMT’s national agenda during the War of Resistance. Bai leveraged his military positions to advance the aims of Chinese Muslims through his participation in the first national association for Chinese Muslims. By putting Bai’s military successes and failures during the War of Resistance into conversation with his efforts to mobilize Muslims, we see how his efforts were central to state making and nation building beyond the battlefield. In the ongoing reassessment of the Republican Era, showcasing the contributions of top generals like Bai off the battlefield presents an alternative narrative to the ongoing rehabilitation of the KMT. Bai’s influence furthers our understanding of KMT leaders in the making of modern China beyond the often-solitary focus on Chiang Kai-shek’s particular vision for the Chinese nation.