Meritorious Service Record

In early 1940, Zhu Jiahua collaborated with Kim Gu (金九) to secure official recognition for the Korean Liberation Army (KLA). Since its establishment, the KLA had been operating without formal approval from the Chinese Military Affairs Commission, leading the Chinese Nationalist Government to impose restrictions on its activities, including military organization and recruitment. By late 1940, the Military Affairs Commission had even instructed regional military commanders to strictly regulate KLA activities.
To resolve these issues, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea initiated negotiations through Zhu Jiahua. He lobbied Chiang Kai-shek and officials at the Military Affairs Commission Secretariat, advocating for the formal approval of the KLA and its participation in the anti-Japanese war effort.
In a crucial report to Chiang Kai-shek, Zhu Jiahua stated:
"From my discussions with Kim Gu, it is evident that the situation is real. If Korean soldiers are mobilized for defection from the Japanese army, it will be beneficial for China’s resistance."
This played a decisive role in persuading the Nationalist Government to officially recognize the KLA. Kim Gu himself acknowledged Zhu Jiahua’s contributions, stating:
"Thanks to your guidance and assistance, the Korean Liberation Army issue has been successfully resolved."
Zhu Jiahua continued to play a vital role in shaping KLA operations and structure. In 1942, when the Korean Volunteer Corps (朝鮮義勇隊) was incorporated into the KLA, he served as a key intermediary, relaying the Provisional Government’s position to top Chinese officials and keeping Kim Gu informed of developments.
In June 1942, he actively promoted the official recognition of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea by the Chinese Nationalist Government. He outlined three main reasons why such recognition was strategically necessary:
1. After five years of war, global discussions on Asian affairs were increasingly influenced by China, making it an opportune time.
2. Although the Soviet Union had signed a neutrality pact with Japan, urgent aid from the United States and the United Kingdom meant that Soviet objections would not be an issue.
3. If left unaddressed, the Soviet Union might use Korean troops to establish a Korean Soviet government, which China needed to preempt.
By emphasizing the diplomatic benefits, he convinced the Nationalist Government that recognizing the Provisional Government was in China’s best interest.
Zhu Jiahua maintained strong relations with Provisional Government leaders and continued to support Korea’s independence efforts. His contributions helped solidify the Sino-Korean alliance and strengthen the resistance against Japan.
The South Korean government posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation (Presidential Medal) in 1977.