Chapter 7 Foreign Policy

"What role will China play?"

Zhu Erdian, the British ambassador to China, sucked his big pipe and sat on the sofa by the fireplace in the smoking room. At this time, a trace of worry flashed between the Chinese eyebrows.

In addition to worry, there is more doubt.

In the diplomatic community in Nanjing, almost all diplomats know that the British ambassador to China, an Irishman from a peasant family, is a real Chinese expert, which is completely different from other diplomats who are known as Chinese. He has lived and worked in China for 38 years. As an Englishman, he even knows more about China. I have learned about Britain.

38 years ago, Zhu Erdian, who was only 24 years old, came to China. He first served as a trainee translator at the Yanjing Consulate, and then went to the coastal ports to study consular business. In 1888, he was promoted to a librarian of the Yanjing Embassy. Three years later, he became the Chinese Secretary. Ten years later, he was promoted to Acting Ambassador to China. Eight years later, he became the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to China.

Zhu Erdian has been in China for 38 years and is very familiar with Chinese culture, officialdom and officials. On the other hand, in addition to having a good personal friendship with many Chinese officials, he and the current Prime Minister Yuan Shikai, who is also an old friend for more than 20 years, know each other very well in politics, surname and style.

In the diplomatic community in Nanjing, although the so-called public mission has long disappeared, Zhu Erdian has the most seniority and the highest prestige among the ambassadors to China. Sometimes, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has to coordinate the positions and resolve diplomatic disputes through Zhu Erdian.

"China's role!"

In the past few days, with the tension between the two countries, every major country has been involved, and the most obvious manifestation is the diplomatic community. At this time, the diplomats of Germany, Austria and Russia in Nanjing and the officers of the German [***] official advisory group have strengthened their cooperation with Chinese officials one after another. The military's contacts and ** diplomats are preparing for the future development of the situation.

At this time, China's attitude can be said to have become extremely subtle. In their parliament, there is still a debate about whether to succeed the contract. On the other hand, the Chinese queen is about to visit the United Kingdom. China's attitude... If it was ten years ago, Zhu Erdian did not need to consider what China would hold at all. All kinds of attitude, but now... Any country that ignores China's power will eventually pay the price. The Russians, myself, especially myself, have paid their own price. Zhu Erdian will not make the same mistake, but that's why he feels embarrassed.

At this time, the door of the smoking room was pushed open. The one who just graduated from Cambridge last year and came to Chinese Clerklands. He was very young, but he was only 25 years old. Perhaps it was because he came to China at the age of 24. At this point, he was similar to Zhu Erdian that Zhu Erdian liked this young man. However, the more important reason is to appreciate his wit and talent. To some extent, when he sees Krans, he will have the feeling of seeing himself 38 years ago.

He came in with the folder in his arms, and Cranz bent over by the sofa.

"Sir, telegram from the Minister of Foreign Affairs."

Juldian spit out two small smoke rings and touched the white short beard on his mouth. Before he could look up and tell him, he saw that Crans, who put down the telegram, had respectfully brought his glasses.

Nodding in his heart, Zhu Er Dian put his pipe on the table, reached out to take the telegram presented by Krans, and pinched his glasses to look carefully.

"...That's right. It seems that Mr. Prime Minister has placed his hopes on China?"

Listening to Juer Dian talking to himself, Cranes asked carefully.

"Sir, will the Prime Minister place his hope on China?"

Zhu Erdian nodded and frowned tightly, putting the pipe on his mouth again.

"Nothing, very good. The foreign minister sent a new decision. He hopes that we can promote the renewal of the alliance between Germany and China!"

"What? Promote China and Germany?"

The ambassador's words made Crans almost unable to believe his obedient words and contributed to the renewal of the Sino-German alliance. How could this be? Just yesterday, they were trying their best to make the Chinese parliament unable to pass the renewal of the Sino-German covenant, but now it has changed?

"Yes!"

Zhu Erdian nodded and put the telegram on the table.

"The so-called foreign policy is actually vague in nature, and there is no rule to talk about. The right thing yesterday may be wrong today. All foreign policies change according to changes in time and situation. In the past, the domestic meaning was that we didn't want to see Germany expand in the Far East. Our forces do not want China to continue to be Germany's stable ally in the Far East. In the past few years, the reason why His Majesty has invited Queen Ji Li to visit the United Kingdom is that he hopes to adjust its relations with China so as to achieve the goal of cultivating a pro-British Chinese royal family..."

Interests, the essence of diplomacy is actually with interests as the core, but Zhu Erdian is very clear about this. At this time, a Chinese servant gave him refreshments, and Zhu Erdian greeted Krans.

"My gentleman, no matter what happens, afternoon tea can't be ignored."

"Yes, sir, I totally agree with this."

The two sat opposite each other, tasting black tea and snacks with sugar cubes, waiting for the servant to withdraw. Two years ago, they would not have been so careful, but now, they have to be careful. In the past few years, diplomats from various countries in Nanjing have always fallen behind when they meet with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Every negotiation Discussion, Chinese diplomats always control the negotiations as if they were very clear about their bottom line.

At first, they thought that this was the appointment of a group of excellent diplomats by the Chinese, but it was not until two years ago, when a servant of the U.S. Embassy exchanged his secrets for money that diplomats in various countries knew that there was an Intelligence Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the name of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, which was responsible for collecting diplomatic intelligence.

The smoothness of the negotiation table is not because of their talents, but because they have grasped the bottom line of each country. That is, since then, countries have strengthened the security of embassies and consulates in China and guarded against those Chinese people.

Finally, after the servant quit, Crans couldn't stand the surname and broke the previous silence first.

"Sir, what do you think the domestic meaning is to hope that China and Germany... Will this pose a threat to Britain?"

Juldian knocked on the pipe and shrugged his shoulders.

"Crans, there is no friendship between countries, and there is only a mutual relationship, which is a basic premise. Think about it, the Boer War consumed too much of our resources and strength. In order to be able to fight against Germany, Britain had formulated a joint military plan with France and solved all disputes with France's ally, Russia, in 1907, although there was no real and reliable agreement. It is enough to force Britain to assist when France or Russia is at war with Germany, but once France is attacked, it is likely that Britain will not sit idly by. We can't sit idly by and watch Germany's power, and we can't watch Germany control the whole continent. This is Britain's most basic foreign policy, so..."

Crans shook the black tea with a little foam in the cup, frowned and thought for a moment, and then said.

"Sir, that's the case, so why do we have to promote the alliance between China and Germany? Isn't this more beneficial to Germany?"

Juldian, who put down his pipe, shook his head and looked at Crans with a smile, and then said with a smile.

"Yes, in the past, we hoped to divide China and Germany, but now, the Austrian crown prince has been assassinated, the Osset war is imminent, and Russia will inevitably be involved in the war. For Britain, this war will inevitably break the balance of Europe, so we need to re-establish an alliance between China and Germany. But when the Sino-German alliance was established again, Russia had to consider the possibility of facing a two-line battle, so as to show calmer in the Osset conflict.

Crans nodded in agreement, took a sip of tea, and suddenly asked as if he thought of something.

"Sir, do you mean that London wants to contain the Russians by this means?"

Zhu Erdian smiled.

"For Britain, compared with the Sino-German alliance, Britain now tends to avoid turmoil in Europe or a war between the two powers. However, once Russia and Austria are involved in the war, it is difficult to guarantee that France and Germany will stay out of the matter. Therefore, we need China's intervention to add a bargaining chip to diplomatic mediation."

Crans said after thinking for a moment.

"If so, does it mean that we still need to be wary of China in Asia in the future?"

Zhu Erdian waved his hand and smiled.

"Crans, diplomacy is an art, and it is called art precisely because diplomacy is constantly adjusting. Today's friends will be tomorrow's enemies. In diplomacy, even enemies can be used. In the diplomacy industry... there is no friendship!"

The ambassador's words were deeply imprinted in Cranes' mind. He kept thinking about the impact of the Sino-German alliance. Indeed, as London guessed, if Russia realizes that it is likely to suffer the dilemma of two fronts, then Russia is likely to choose to give in order to avoid getting into trouble. !

"Yes, sir, I think I understand!"

"In fact..."

When Cranes seemed to understand something, Juerdian could make a long sigh.

"I personally think London is making a mistake!"

"Oh?"

Crans couldn't help but wonder, what's wrong with Mr. Ambassador?

"Because we can't predict the future, we are going to promote the strength of the inevitable enemy in order to avoid a possible war. It can be said that... double-edged sword!"

Is it... From the ambassador's face, Cranes saw the worry, and the meaning of his words could not be clearer. What does it mean? This means that once London wishes, China will also be involved in the competition between Britain and Germany.

"So, the changes in diplomacy always make people very helpless. Even if they know it is a mistake, they have to carry it out!"

Two days later, Zhu Erdian came to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Chinese Empire and visited Cao Weiran, the Chinese Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs. As we all know, this young man who studied in the United Kingdom and later served as Counselor in the United Kingdom and Consul in Germany. After returning to China last year, he served as the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs. He is a close friend of Foreign Minister Liang Dunyan. It can be said that his The step was carried out under the arrangement of Liang Dunyan. Now, although Liang Dunyan is still the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the specific things of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are carried out under the leadership of Cao Weiran.

At Zhu Erdian's repeated request, the meeting was held in the relatively secret small hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it did not deserve to be a clerk, because Cao Weiran had studied in Cambridge, and Zhu Erdian was also familiar with Chinese, so that the two sides did not need to translate at all.

As soon as the two took their seats, Cao Weiran said to Zhu Erdian in fluent English.

"If you think it's necessary, in fact, we could have talked alone in my office."

Juldian nodded without hesitation.

"This is the best."

From Zhu Erdian's attitude, Cao Weiran felt keenly that this meeting was extraordinary. He must have a secret mission that could not be told, but he quietly waited for Zhu Erdian to take the initiative to speak, instead of being tricked by himself. It was related to the initiative of negotiation. Diplomacy is always like this. Some feelings What's more, being too positive will make you passive, just like now.

After a short greeting full of diplomatic rhetoric, Zhu Erdian was the first to open the point.

"Renearly, there have been some unpleasant misunderstandings between China and the United Kingdom, but I don't think this can affect the extensive cooperation between the two countries in various fields."

Cao Weiran is very clear that the so-called "small misunderstanding" is the contradiction between the relationship between China and Germany and Britain's interests in Asia. Because of this, there is always full vigilance in the exchanges between China and Britain.

However, now, the relationship between China and Britain is changing under the deliberate arrangement of the two countries. The queen is about to lead the crown prince to visit the United Kingdom, which will open a new page in diplomatic relations between China and Britain.

But even so, Cao Weiran still felt that it was necessary to be cautious.

"Your Excellency Ambassador, we are willing to cooperate with any country on the basis of equality and reciprocity."

Of course, Zhu Erdian can hear the voice. The so-called "any country" of course also includes countries that pose a challenge to Britain, and of course Germany. Thinking of this, Zhu Erdian decided to make his own words clear.

"To some extent, London has always been committed to the peace and order in the Far East, so we hope to improve our relationship with China, and we also hope to improve our relationship with Germany..."

Hearing the other party mention Germany, Cao Weiran reminded him rudely.

"The core of China's foreign policy is very simple. Our diplomacy only treats each other equally."

If it had been in the past, Zhu Erdian might have refuted it immediately, but at this time he nodded unexpectedly.

"So I think that London's policy towards China is based on the position of equality. As you have refuted before, Britain has the right to make allies, so China naturally has such power."

Zhu Erdian's words only shocked Cao Weiran looked at the other party. Is Zhu Erdian crazy? In surprise, his tone even changed.

"So, our country should thank your country for treating each other equally, right?"

Conspiracy! It must be a conspiracy. What kind of conspiracy do the British want to play!

And Zhu Erdian smiled at this time.

"You're welcome. Equality is the necessity of exchanges between countries."

After climbing in the diplomatic world for ten years, Cao Weiran has long understood that this change in Britain must mean that there is no unknown conspiracy in it, so he has no idea of refutation. When he keeps thinking about various possibilities in his mind, he only responds lightly.

"Well, equality, China hopes that all countries will wait for me equally, and will also treat all countries equally, whether they are allies or non-ally."

Zhu Erdian's eyebrows are raised up - it's time.

"So, if your country is willing to make some promises, London believes that in some way, we can make some appropriate concessions!"

Conswer up!

With a frown, Cao Weiran probably understood the other party's intention at this time. Did London think... "I don't know what your country's political axe is going to do?"

"Out of a good desire to maintain peace in the Far East, China hopes to reach a cooperation agreement with your country that is beneficial to both sides."

This is Zhu Erdian's own decision. In fact, he never wants to push China, a country with strong war potential, into the arms of the Germans.

"Do you mean to conclude a treaty?"

Zhu Erdian looked at the thirty-three-year-old young man in front of him and shook his head.

"A cooperation agreement."

Jul Dian stressed.

"What kind of cooperation do we need to do to maintain peace in the Far East? Military alliance?

"Haha... This is not to the point of a military alliance..."

Zhu Erdian smiled reluctantly. He knew what this cooperation agreement meant. To some extent, it meant China's betrayal of its allies.

"So how do we cooperate?"

After grabbing the initiative, Cao Weiran asked directly.

"This, Britain believes that China has no intention to confront Britain or be an enemy of Britain, and there is also a close relationship between the British and Chinese royal families."

At this time, Zhu Erdian no longer wanted to engage in a witty fight between diplomats. Although that kind of witty fight seemed to be the most exciting thing in diplomacy, he also understood that at some times, frankness was more needed between diplomats.

Cao Weiran took a look at Zhu Erdian and shook his head when he was shocked by his change.

"The root of this reason lies in Britain, not China. I think you know this better than anyone else!"

In the face of this answer, Zhu Erdian nodded heavily.

"So, I think that there is a huge space for cooperation between China and Britain, rather than going towards confrontation. I think that's why the Platinum Khan Palace and the Palace work together to develop things on a good side."

"However, we don't think that your country is willing to sign some kind of agreement. Until now, we don't know what you call the agreement, but..."

Turning the peak of words, Cao Weiran's face showed a smile.

"Maybe some kind of speech is also good!"

Cao Weiran's change only made Zhu Erdian open his mouth in surprise. He clearly realized that this change was not only in Cao Weiran, but also in this country. They became extremely confident that the whole country was like this. They were a powerful country that could divide up the earth, and it was the country. The change of power makes them full of self-confidence.

It is this understanding that makes Zhu Erdian believe that perhaps this is the basis of his good ideas. I hope London can understand his painstaking work.

"Sir, we believe that there are provisions against Britain in the Sino-German treaty, so..."

"Do you want to delete it?"

Cao Weiran's lips showed a trace of irony. The Sino-German treaty seems to be a secret treaty on the surface, but in fact, Britain has already known the content of the treaty.

"We believe that the Sino-German treaty, to some extent, is the need of China in a certain period of time, if extensive cooperation between China and Britain can be established and a mechanism of mutual trust can be established."

Looking at Cao Weiran, Zhu Erdian smiled again.

"Britain does not object to China and Germany continuing to sign the contract..."

Even though he knew that showing his appearance was a taboo in diplomacy, Cao Weiran still jumped his eyelids slightly, and then asked in a sarcastic tone.

"So, does this mean that if we establish some mutual trust, Britain will support the signing of the alliance treaty between China and Germany?"

Zhu Erdian had to continue to nod.

"At least in some ways."

"Well, to what extent is the degree of mutual trust?"

More than ten minutes later, Zhu Er Dian left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a lot of trouble, and Crans immediately came over in the car to ask.

"Mr., did the meeting go well?"

Zhu Erdian sighed, put his body on the back seat, and his eyebrows were locked tightly.

"Now we don't know the answer, but..."

"Well, sir..."

Crans looked at Juldian in silence in surprise.

"Our changes are too fast, too..."

"You are worried that the Chinese people realize that the realization of changes in London is due to..."

His words made Zhu Erdian shake his head.

"Chinese diplomats and officials are not fools. They can realize why we have this change. What I'm worried about now is that the Chinese are not necessarily willing to use it for Britain, and..."

Silence, Zhu Erdian opened his eyes and looked at the street outside the car, looking at the more and more confident Chinese.

"Why does the Chinese National Assembly argue about the renewal of the contract? Maybe others don't understand, but we all know that in China, to some extent, the National Assembly is basically a decoration. The most important thing is the will of the emperor. In this country, the will of the emperor is the fundamental one that determines everything. "."

"Sir, do you mean that the emperor of China is not willing to renew the contract with Germany? So why did they change like this? You should know that the cooperation between Germany and China in the past was very close, even..."

Looking at Crans with a smile, Juer Dian stroked his white beard, smiled slightly at the corners of his mouth, and then looked at Crans.

"There is no eternal friendship between countries!"

(to be continued)