1972年，宋美龄投资500万开发美国天然气，成菲利普斯石油合伙人

Group 1 - In 1972, Soong Mei-ling invested $5 million in Phillips Petroleum Company, becoming a partner in a New Mexico natural gas development project, highlighting her transition from a political figure to an investor in the U.S. energy sector [1][3] - Phillips Petroleum, founded in 1917, was the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. by 1924, but faced financial difficulties in the 1970s due to unsuccessful oil exploration efforts in the North Sea, prompting the need for external investment [3][5] - The $5 million investment from Soong Mei-ling, equivalent to several hundred million dollars today, provided crucial financial relief for Phillips, although it was not a complete solution to their financial troubles [5][16] Group 2 - Soong Mei-ling's wealth can be traced back to her father, Soong Ching-ling, a successful businessman with diverse investments, which laid the foundation for her financial capabilities [5][7] - Her marriage to Chiang Kai-shek positioned her as a bridge between political and business circles, allowing her to leverage her influence for financial gain [9][11] - During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Soong Mei-ling's efforts to secure funding for the Nationalist government showcased her ability to mobilize resources and wealth, further solidifying her role in both politics and business [11][14] Group 3 - After World War II, Soong Mei-ling engaged in various business ventures, including real estate and aviation, which contributed significantly to her wealth [14][16] - Her investments in the 1970s, including those in Phillips Petroleum and other oil and gas companies, demonstrated her continued active participation in the business world despite her age [16][18] - The intertwining of wealth and political power during her era reflects the broader socio-economic dynamics in China, where her unique position allowed her to navigate and influence both financial and political landscapes [18]