Which Chinese general signed Japan’s 1945 surrender instrument at Tokyo Bay?

General Xu Yongchang signed Japan’s 1945 surrender instrument as the representative of China. He participated in the Tokyo Bay ceremony after the principal Japanese and American signatories had signed.

Xu represented the Republic of China, one of the Allied powers formally receiving Japan’s surrender. China had fought Japan for years before the wider Pacific War began, and the Chinese theater was a major part of World War II in Asia. His presence recognized China’s role among the victorious Allies.

The ceremony included representatives from the United States, China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Xu’s signature followed that of Admiral Chester Nimitz, who signed for the United States after General Douglas MacArthur signed for the Allied powers.

Xu Yongchang is sometimes confused with Chiang Kai-shek, China’s wartime leader. Chiang did not attend the Tokyo Bay ceremony. Xu, a senior Chinese military officer, was the official Chinese signatory on September 2, 1945.