Xiliang, 1853-1917

Xiliang (Chinese: 錫良; pinyin: Xīliáng; Wade–Giles: Hsi-liang; 1853 – 1917) was a Chinese official of Mongol heritage who served as the Viceroy of several provinces during the late Qing Dynasty. Xiliang was a Qing loyalist who supported moderate reforms and strongly opposed Western imperialism in China. He enthusiastically supported the Self-Strengthening Movement and the New Policies, but he opposed the spread of European culture and was sympathetic to the Boxer Rebellion. His efforts at reform saw mixed results. While generally praised by his superiors, Xiliang was also hampered by opposing factions in the Imperial Court and intervention by Western powers. His provincial administrations occasionally provoked popular unrest and accusations of corruption. During the final years of the Qing, Xiliang became an advocate of constitutional government. He ultimately failed to change Imperial policy in time to prevent the 1911 Revolution and retired from public life after the dynasty fell.