When I work with the Chinese mandarins, they cannot hold rank over me because I am also a mandarin. I also try to keep on good terms with… great or small, and also with the people. This way everything runs smoothly.

— Paul Splingaerd

During negotiations on post-Boxer Rebellion settlements, Paul was applauded by both sides for his keen sense of justice, fairness and respect for human dignity. “There is no one who can handle the Boxer matters like Paul Splingaerd, he knows how to right the wrongs..” states a letter from Monsignor Van Aertselaer, the vicar apostolic of Central Mongolia’s important mission station at Xiwanzi (October 17, 1901).