150 Years - Chapter Two: The Opening of China

Summary

The video script tells the story of Guy Hillier, a British banker at HSBC in China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Cambridge, he became fluent in Chinese and played a pivotal role in HSBC's Beijing office, securing significant deals like a £16 million loan for China post-Sino-Japanese War. Despite going blind, he continued his work, even developing a Chinese Braille system. His deep connection with the Chinese people and his strategic acumen left a lasting impact, emphasizing the importance of human connection in China's business landscape.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Guy Hillier was a British banker who played a significant role in HSBC's early operations in China.
• 🏙️ Shanghai in the 1800s was a city of two worlds: the International Settlement and the ancient city.
• 👨‍🎓 Hillier learned Chinese and became fluent, which was a rare and valuable skill at the time.
• 🚂 He was instrumental in financing the construction of 5,000 miles of railway in China between 1903 and 1914.
• 💼 By 1895, Hillier became the Manager of HSBC in Beijing, where he established himself as a strategist and dealmaker.
• 📜 He was involved in a crucial deal that allowed China to pay a massive indemnity to Japan after the Sino-Japanese War.
• 🔍 Hillier's Chinese language skills allowed him to interact directly with Chinese customers, which was a significant advantage.
• 👨‍🦯 Despite going blind from glaucoma in his 40s, Hillier continued to work and was considered indispensable by the bank and Chinese authorities.
• 🧶 After losing his sight, he learned to knit socks, a skill taught to him by his secretary and later wife, Eleanor Richard.
• 🔤 He developed a system of Braille for the Chinese language, which became widely used in Beijing.
• 🏆 Hillier's funeral was a testament to his impact, with a large attendance and a moving tribute from the Chief Manager of HSBC.

Q & A

Who is Guy Hillier and what is his significance?

Guy Hillier was a British banker who worked for HSBC in China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He became fluent in Chinese and played a pivotal role in shaping both HSBC's and China's future as a strategist and dealmaker.

What was the role of Bruce Alter in HSBC China?

Bruce Alter works for HSBC China and is based in Shanghai, covering imports and exports. He is interested in learning more about Guy Hillier's story and his impact on the bank and China.

How did Bruce Alter's journey with China begin?

Bruce Alter's journey with China began after graduating from New York University, when his grandfather advised him to consider China due to its opening up to the West and modernization.

What was the living situation like for westerners in Shanghai 150 years ago?

150 years ago, Shanghai was a city of two different worlds: the International Settlement and the ancient city. Westerners lived in the International Settlement and were often observed by curious Chinese locals who were interested in their daily routines.

What was Guy Hillier's contribution to the development of railways in China?

Guy Hillier was instrumental in organizing finance from western banks for the construction of railways in China. He played a key role in the negotiation of a loan that helped build 5,000 miles of railway line between 1903 and 1914.

How did Guy Hillier's language skills impact his career in China?

Guy Hillier's fluency in Chinese was a significant advantage in his career. It allowed him to interact directly with Chinese people and facilitated his role as a dealmaker and strategist.

What challenges did Guy Hillier face in his personal life?

Guy Hillier went blind from glaucoma during his 40s, which was a significant personal challenge. Despite this, he continued to work and was considered indispensable by both HSBC and Chinese authorities.

How did Guy Hillier adapt to his blindness and continue his work?

After going blind, Guy Hillier was provided with a secretary, Eleanor Richard, who later became his wife. He also developed a system of Braille to reflect the Chinese language, which became widely used in Peking.

What was the significance of the Sino-Japanese War for Guy Hillier's career?

The Sino-Japanese War in 1894 led to China needing to pay a massive indemnity to Japan. Guy Hillier played a crucial role in negotiating a £16 million loan from HSBC, which was a significant achievement in his career.

What was the nature of Guy Hillier's funeral and what does it indicate about his impact in China?

Guy Hillier's funeral was attended by a very large number of people, indicating the high regard in which he was held. The funeral was a tribute to his significant contributions to China and HSBC.

What is the concept of 'ren qing wei' and how does it relate to Guy Hillier's success in China?

'Ren qing wei' is a Chinese term that refers to human connection. It is an important aspect of doing business in China, as it involves building relationships and bridging cultures. Guy Hillier understood this concept and used it to his advantage in his work.