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What was Adolf Hitler's view on China?

Excerpt from the Political Testament of Adolf Hitler, Note #5, (February - April 1945):

Pride in one's own race – and that does not imply contempt for other races – is also a normal and healthy sentiment. I have never regarded the Chinese or the Japanese as being inferior to ourselves. They belong to ancient civilizations, and I admit freely that their past history is superior to our own. They have the right to be proud of their past, just as we have the right to be proud of the civilization to which we belong. Indeed, I believe the more steadfast the Chinese and the Japanese remain in their pride of race, the easier I shall find it to get on with them.

In other words: Hitler saw China (and Japan) as equals to Germany; Chinese and Japanese were like "honorary Aryans". This was during his final days in the Führerbunker, which gave him plenty of time to be alone with his thoughts.

But what about his earlier days?

Post-WWI Weimar Republic (Germany) and the Republic of China enjoyed a fruitful relationship: China looked to Germany as a model for modernization, and Germans established strong economic links. 


And this not only continued after Hitler legally became dictator in 1933, but major military assistance was authorized. German-trained Chinese divisions gave the Japanese the hardest time during WWII. Hitler saw (correctly) the ROC as a religiously anti-communist government and thus an ideal candidate for his Anti-Comintern Axis. However, Hitler also was keen on selling Japan on joining his Axis, having been a fan of Japan since they kicked Russian ass in 1905.

Hitler must have been torn when his two favourite countries in the Far East passed the point of no return on July 7, 1937. Forced to pick a side, Hitler chose Japan because they were at the time militarily stronger on paper and thus in a better position to resist the USSR, despite a deeper economic and military relationship with China.

Despite officially ending up on opposite sides of WWII, Hitler reaffirms his respect for China in his political testament, quoted at the beginning of this answer.
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About Chinese not from China

Chinese not from China is an overseas Chinese educated on Chinese history, fluent in two Chinese languages, and raised in Chinese culture. Learn more about me.
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