Commenting on Li Hongzhang s fettered foreign policy 5

"Bondage" is not Li Hongzhang's foreign policy, it is the foreign policy of the Qing Dynasty, and even the traditional policy of ancient Chinese dynasties towards neighboring countries. I think that our evaluation of many figures in recent history is unfair, and that we are making our comments with very limited knowledge of the sources of modern history. Just like the question you asked, unconsciously linked Li Hongzhang with the long-standing policy of restraint of the dynasty.

In 1876, Japan signed an independent commercial treaty with the King of Korea. What do you think of this information today? Can you see the potential threat inside?

Korea was the most important vassal state of the Qing Dynasty and the most strategically important fortress. Japan's move was undoubtedly a challenge to the Qing Dynasty! Going back to the first paragraph of the commercial treaty, North Korea is the younger brother of the Qing Dynasty, and you don't directly trade with my younger brother through me, what do you mean?

And how many people could the imperial court see on this floor at that time? Or do we think who can tell, Prince Gong? Tso?

If Zeng Guofan is still alive, Zeng Guofan?

If the whole court sees the danger, it is time to solve the problem. But it is better not to know, because no one can come up with a strategy to repel or defend against the Japanese.

When everyone in the court was helpless, Li Hongzhang stood up. Li Hongzhang suggested that the best way to stop Japan's wolf ambitions was to open Korea to the world. With our current strength, we will lose Korea as a subject country sooner or later, so it is better to take this opportunity to open Korea to the whole world.

This suggestion was also implemented by the King of Korea through the signing of commercial treaties with foreign powers. Now that you think about it, if you want to solve this problem, is there a better way to solve it?

A private letter written by Li Hongzhang to Su Shan in Seoul, North Korea, on October 23, 1879.

Thank you for your country**'s relationship with Japan. The Japanese are arrogant, ambitious, cunning, and have been compelled to accede to their demands as they see fit. Seeing this situation, I deeply feel that Your Excellency has a heavy responsibility and a difficult road.

At the meeting with the DPRK diplomatic delegation last year, Yu had already read the letter of respect, and His Excellency repeatedly informed him that the Japanese begged Your Excellency to convey his wish to maintain good relations with our country, and said that we can rest assured that his intentions can be made clear.

It is foolish to think that the relationship between neighbors has been easy to understand since ancient times: there are gaps between the two countries, and they can be brought together by the ties of common interests. If there is no basis for reciprocity, there is no agreement, and each other is an enemy country.

Knowing that the Japanese lack sincerity, it is advisable to pretend not to know. For the sake of self-defense, to avoid disputes and to maintain friendly relations. For this reason, I advise you in the previous letter not to show your suspicions, lest they become an excuse against you.

The leaders of their own countries all believe that prevention is better than cure. Or the easiest way to avoid misfortune is to close the door and meditate. By mistake, it is very difficult for my eastern countries to do it.

Japan's expansion movement cannot be stopped by manpower. Your country was also compelled to sign a treaty of commerce with it, ushering in a new era. Everything shows that fighting poison with poison and leveraging strength is the best way out for us.

Your Excellency seized every opportunity to conclude a treaty with the Western Countries, and you would be able to contain Japan with it.