Tintin's creator and his decades-long love for China

Herge and his collaborators in his studios during 1975 in Brussels. [Photo/Agencies]

His encounter and friendship with Chang helped Remi get rid of the contemporary stereotype of China and its people. He felt obliged to defeat some cliches circulating among the Europeans at that time.

In a letter to a friend, Remi said "as I prepare my stories (of The Blue Lotus), I discovered a real sympathy and admiration for these (Chinese) people. I have a keen desire to understand them and like them."

The two friends exchanged views on art frequently. One day in Remi's yard, Chang pointed at trees there and said that as every single plant was quite balanced and beautiful, it was instrumental that artists reflected the truth of nature.

The Blue Lotus, the fifth book in the 24-volume Tintin adventure series, relates how Tintin tracked opium traffickers all the way to China and helped the Chinese fight against the Japanese. The book has been viewed as a watershed moment in Remi's career. Critics said the book was Remi's most realistic and courageous piece, and "unarguably his first masterpiece."

Remi's exchanges with Chang were critical in the development of Tintin's adventures, said French novelist and critic Benoit Peeters.

Remi always referred to the huge influence Chang had had on him, not only as regards the writing of The Blue Lotus, but also on the general direction of all his Tintin stories, and his other works as well.