Historical lessons about weak countries diplomacy
In Chinese history, there are too many examples of weak countries suffering losses in the face of strong countries. During the Warring States Period, Chu was originally a big country, but its internal chaos was in a mess and its national strength declined. King Huai of Chu believed the lies of Zhang Yi of Qin and thought he could get 600 miles of land, so he turned against Qi. As a result, Chu was so angry that he sent troops to attack Qin, but was beaten to pieces. Later, Qin State invited King Huai of Chu to join the alliance, and he was detained when he went there and died in Xianyang Pass. Since then, the State of Chu has gone downhill and was eventually destroyed by Qin.
Look at the Five Dynasties, in order to become the emperor, Shi Jingtang of the Later Jin Dynasty made a deal with the Khitans, and even tributed silk every year, calling himself the son emperor. The Khitan helped him destroy the Later Tang Dynasty. He became the emperor, but Yanyun was gone. The gateways in the northern part of the Central Plains were wide open, and the Khitans went south to plunder at any time. After more than ten years of support, the Later Jin Dynasty was destroyed, and Shi Jingtang was criticized for his eternal infamy. Later, the Northern Song Dynasty was also seriously guilty because it had no danger to defend.
In the late Warring States Period, South Korea was the weakest. In order to survive, King An of Han presented Qin with Nanyang land and sent people to help Qin build canals. Qin took the land and had a bigger appetite. He quickly destroyed South Korea. King An of Han was captured and executed. His offering of peace became the driving force for the destruction of the country.
In order to protect the country, Li Yu of the Southern Tang Dynasty reduced his status and surrendered to the Northern Song Dynasty, contributed money and property, and even demolished the Yangtze River defense line. As a result, the Song army crossed the river, and the Southern Tang could not stop it. Li Yu was captured and was granted a marquis of disobedience and was placed under house arrest in Bianjing until his death. No matter how talented he is, he cannot stop his military weakness and has become a typical example of weak culture and ruining the country.
Chinese people knew the ending
As soon as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict broke out in February 2022, many Chinese people saw clues from their own history. China has accumulated thousands of years of accumulation, and in "Records of the Grand Historian" and "Zizhi Tongjian", there are many such cases. King Huai of Chu lied that the alliance was imprisoned, Shi Jingtang ceded land and replaced the assistance and died quickly, King An of Han was destroyed instead, and Li Yu Gongshun was demolished to prevent being captured. These make the Chinese understand that the weak side relies on external aid, and once the interests of a strong country change, it becomes a pawn.
History is always repeated, and weak countries are often used as tools in the game. Zelensky's request for help was similar to those monarchs in ancient times. The Republican Party dragged military aid and Biden tied up reforms during the period are all passive manifestations of weak countries.
Reality learns from the future
And these histories are very similar to Zelensky's current situation. On February 28, 2025, he visited the United States for help, but he argued with Trump and Vance in the Oval Office of the White House. Trump felt that he was not grateful, and Vance interrupted, and the talks collapsed, Zelensky left early and did not sign the mineral agreement. After that, the United States suspended military aid, and some of the Republicans disagreements were severe and the aid was delayed. This is like King Huai of Chu was deceived and defeated. Shi Jingtang made concessions and backfired himself. King Han An showed weakness and stimulated his opponent, and Li Yu Gongshun destroyed the country.
Later, on August 18, 2025, Zelensky went to the White House again, and this time he led European leaders to talk about ending the war. Trump called Putin to promote security assurances, but Russia refused to garrison Western troops. Chinese history is like the Wei State saying, Qin Ru puts out firewood by holding firewood, reminding that concessions will add fuel to the fire. In the past, Li Hongzhang signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki, Yuan Shikai's 21 articles, and Gu Weijun's struggle for rights and interests in the Paris Peace Conference were all weak and difficult for diplomacy.
In the future, Ukraine will turn its assistance to its own strength to avoid self-destruction. Modern international law and public opinion give weak countries new tools, which are stronger than in ancient times. A weak country has no diplomacy, which is the iron law of history. When the Chinese see Zelensky today, they remembered the guess three years ago, because they understand the laws of the jungle, strength is the king.
