In September of Guangxu's second year, the North Road of Xinjiang was decided slightly, and the discussion of recovering Ili revived. The imperial court discussed the return of Ili to Russia, but only Zuo disagreed.
Zuo thinks that Russia sees that China's influence has not spread all over Xinjiang, and North Road is rarely a one-sided talent, even if it talks with Laos, the threat is greater, but if it is recovered, it will be difficult to take care of both sides. If it weren't for Gu Qindian, Fa would concentrate on sweeping the south road. When southern Xinjiang is settled, Yili can ask for nothing in return.
In June of Guangxu three years, Russia attacked Turkey and sent troops stationed in Ili to the front of Turkey. At this point, Jin Shun suggested that "we are willing to use our weaknesses to attack Ili". Zuo tried to stop:
"North road army, not necessarily rely on. Even if it is determined, there is no room for raising the flag, which is a measure to take advantage of the gap. In the long run, it will be more difficult to stabilize in the future. "Don't provoke life and endanger the overall situation. "
In the first month of Guangxu four years, the Russians sent troops to Bai Yanhu, Almaty, Liu Jintang and the governor of Russian Turkestan to arrest Bai Yanhu.
The left disapproves of seizing by force. He believes that "Russia's return to Ili is tantamount to saying that it will be broken when it encounters the enemy, and Bai Yanhu is more worried." Therefore, Zuo wrote to the Prime Minister's yamen and the Russian ambassador, demanding that they should act according to the treaty. Jin Shun was reinstated and transferred to the Russian border officials in order to return Ili and commit treason. We discussed the two things together, but promised to renew them.
The Russian side did not reply for a long time, but secretly moved Bai Yanhu to Tomak, unilaterally established the Karen nationality, aroused the indignation of the left army generals, and advocated using troops to search for Bai Yanhu.
The left imposed martial law on the north and south armies, so that he could not disturb himself.
He thinks that although Russia is posturing, it may not be treacherous and civilized, but it is greedy and rebellious to Yili and Penny, demanding generosity and refusing to express its intention. At this time, the military strength is already strong, so you can fight if you want. Why bother? Only the northeast and northwest are connected with the border, and there will be no end to military affairs.
Zuo advocated sending someone to the Russian negotiation office to return Bai Yanhu, not because he was afraid of going to war with Russia, but because of the overall situation of China, he could supervise the war in northwest Xinjiang, China. But China and Russia are weak in many places, and the northeast of China is weak. Once the war breaks out, the consequences will be unpredictable.
After Britain instigated Bougard to seize Russian border towns Darvas and Halata Yong, Russia adjusted its border guards and fought. Zuo said that salt is an opportunity and should enter Yili. The left opinion is:
"Russia and Britain have long been at odds. Russia relies on big countries, while Britain relies on elite soldiers. I will save my family for a rainy day and wait and see, not for each other's strength. And wanting to be so independent day and night doesn't mean that I am strong and weak. At this time, it is not only appropriate to treat Russia and Britain, but also a beggar-thy-neighbor in ancient and modern times. " For more details, please refer to The World: The Changing Late Qing Dynasty. )
As can be seen from the above discussion, Zuo is a pragmatic politician and diplomat. He has handled the relationship with Russia well and won't let Russia make excuses. According to the enemy's strength and the situation at that time, he made every effort to draw boundaries and oppose cross-border occupation. This is a restrained attitude, for the overall situation and the recovery of Yili. This is the diplomatic strategy of striving for progress while remaining stable and avoiding confrontation.
Contributed by/Chi Qingfeng Operation/Brother Xiang