Lot# 9038

this group of five covers illustrates international airmail correspondence to Southeast Asia during 6th Postal Tariff Period, each correctly franked at 6,700 yuan, comprising 2,500 yuan for the first 20g of surface postage and 4,200 yuan for the 10g airmail surcharge to Asia. This rate, implemented on 1 November 1950, represented a significant reduction from the previous 9,000-yuan standard and reflected the early stabilization of the PRC’s postal system. The covers were dispatched from Fukien (Kaosanshih, Minhow, Panghi), Canton, and Peking, and were addressed to Indonesia (Surabaya and Semarang), Singapore, and Nibong Tebal, Malaya. Several were sent from small village postal agencies or third-class post offices, showing the penetration of postal services into rural areas. All were routed via Foochow or Canton for onward air transmission through Hong Kong, typically carried by BOAC. The correct franking and consistent cancellations demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of postal handling under the new rate system. Collectively, these covers exemplify the fully prepaid 6,700-yuan Asian airmail rate of the 6th Postal Tariff Period and provide valuable postal evidence of China’s reconstruction of its international airmail network in the early 1950s.