CHINESE IN THE EUROPE
OF 1914-18

In July 1914, the First World War broke out in the European region. However, its outbreak involved two other continents: Asia and Africa. Thirty-six countries took part in the conflict, and 75 million soldiers were mobilized in the four corners of the world. While remaining neutral in the conflict, China became a supplier of labor.

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Between 1916 and 1918, approximately 140,000 Chinese workers were sent to France for the benefit of the French and the British. Even more were sent to Russia, with an estimated 200,000 Chinese recruited from late 1915 to 1917. This exchange of Chinese citizens gave the government of the Republic of China hope for benefits from the Allies at the end of the war. These Chinese citizens sent to Europe have long been considered “The forgotten of the Great War.”