Sié Chéou Kang

Sié Chéou-Kang is the father of philanthropist John Sie.  He was born in Kiangsi, China, on 7 August 1898, just ahead of the early 20th century revolutions that would change his homeland forever.  This remarkable renaissance man epitomizes the spirit of internationalism that is a hallmark of the Sié Chéou-Kang Center for International Security and Diplomacy and the Josef Korbel School.

Educated in Europe, he earned a degree in political science, an advanced degree in Lausanne in social science, and later his Doctorate from the University of Brussels.  In 1927 he was appointed Dean of the School of Literature at the National Central University in Nanking.  A brilliant and charming diplomat, he served as Chinese Minister to Brussels, the Chinese Cultural Ambassador to several European countries, and China’s ambassador to the Vatican during World War II. 

A gifted artist and writer, Sié Chéou-Kang throughout his life wrote and translated plays, presented theatrical productions, as well as wrote extensively on political issues. A master of the French language, he was elected a member of the Belgian Royal Academy of French Language and Literature in 1946, the only Asian ever awarded such an honor. This accomplished and cosmopolitan man dedicated his life to bringing together occidental and oriental civilizations.

Sié Chéou-Kang