As the prime minister of an independent eastern power with a history of humiliating diplomacy and arduous revolution for a hundred years, Zhou Enlai did not agree with the western theory of international relations, but put forward a set of diplomatic thoughts and strategies with his own characteristics. Foreign scholars have conducted in-depth research on his rich diplomatic thoughts, which can be divided into the following aspects.
1. Independent revolutionary stand against imperialism and hegemonism.
Foreign scholars believe that anti-imperialism and anti-hegemony is the fundamental position of diplomacy, which embodies Zhou's revolutionary nature. Ronald pointed out that "as a dedicated revolutionary, he often conflicts with the unequal international order maintained by European countries' diplomacy, and this conflict is particularly fierce when the latter wants to strengthen this unequal model and enhance the dependence of Asian and African countries on colonialism." Note: Ronald C. Keith: Zhou Enlai's Diplomatic Career, p. 1. Until his later years, even after Sino-US relations eased, he still held high the banner of "uniting all forces that can be United in the world and opposing colonialism and imperialism, especially superpower hegemonism". Ronald analyzed that Zhou Enlai's insistence on not establishing a solid alliance with any superpower not only showed China's just position, but also was "a strategic policy", which gave China more strategic choices and changed the unequal international political situation.
The revolutionary foreign policy against imperialism and hegemony is based on the principle of "independence". Ronald believes that "independence" reflects Zhou Enlai's ideological understanding of imperialism. In Zhou Enlai's thought, the principle of "independence and self-reliance" can prevent China from relying on the United States or the Soviet Union. He tried to make the negotiations on normalization of Sino-US relations successful, but the purpose was not to unite the United States, but to establish a United front on the basis of "independence and self-reliance". This principle is politically opposed to any foreign interference, but it is not opposed to equal and mutually beneficial international exchanges and technology transfer. It is only an ideological tool against the political struggle of authoritarian powers.
2. A foreign policy combining revolutionary idealism with realism.
Many western international relations theorists believe that Marxism-Leninism regards diplomacy as an extension of domestic politics, which is the basis of diplomatic irrationality. However, some foreign scholars have rightfully pointed out that in Zhou Enlai's view, revolutionary justice and rational diplomacy are not antagonistic, but have achieved a perfect combination. Ronald called Zhou Enlai's diplomacy "rational diplomacy in revolutionary practice". He is realistic and opposes any dogmatism. Although China was "one-sided" at the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Zhou Enlai made a realistic response to the containment policy of the United States and the contradictions exposed in the Sino-Soviet negotiations. Through diplomatic efforts, he repelled the threat of the United States and its allies at the Geneva Conference and successfully made China step into the ranks of the Asian national independence movement at the Bandung Conference. Nixon believed that after the breakdown of Sino-Soviet relations, the normalization of Sino-US relations was successfully realized because Zhou Enlai was a realistic revolutionary and a politician who put national interests above ideology. In the west, Zhou Enlai is called "flexible Bolshevik", "flexible communist" and "talented diplomat", all of which refer to his realistic attitude in diplomatic activities. Flexible and appropriate compromise enabled Zhou Enlai to stick to its principles, win the respect of the other side, and win one diplomatic victory after another. In Wilson's words, Zhou Enlai achieved a clever combination of "idealism and realism".
3. The concept of peaceful coexistence and seeking common ground while reserving differences.
Foreign scholars generally believe that Zhou Enlai is an advocate and designer of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Zhou Enlai's thought of peaceful coexistence and seeking common ground while reserving differences not only guided China to break the imperialist blockade and resist hegemonic pressure, but was gradually accepted as a diplomatic norm by the international community. Volohova believes that in Zhou Enlai's thoughts, China adheres to a foreign policy of peace and thinks that it is entirely possible to defeat imperialism through peaceful competition. Ronald believes that Zhou Enlai takes peaceful coexistence and seeking common ground while reserving differences as the norms of international relations, with the aim of uniting all forces against neo-colonialism and imperialism. Until Zhou's death, China has been committed to the international united front of "opposing superpower hegemonism". Foreign scholars believe that China's diplomacy under the guidance of Zhou Enlai's thought of peaceful coexistence and seeking common ground while reserving differences has achieved great success, which is a great contribution to the theory and practice of international relations.
4. The correct combination of patriotism and internationalism.
Zhou Enlai's diplomatic thought adheres to "internationalism based on patriotism and patriotism under the guidance of internationalism". Volohova believes that it is Zhou Enlai's extensive knowledge of Marxism–Leninism and rich world experience that "made him understand the necessity of organically combining internationalism with national interests". Foreign scholars and politicians have noticed that Zhou Enlai is proud of China's long cultural tradition and great revolutionary history. Zhou Enlai, suffering from imperialism and feudalism, hated the diplomacy of old China. Ronald pointed out that Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai compared the establishment of diplomatic missions in 1950s to "starting a new stove" in order to create and practice a new diplomacy of safeguarding national interests, independence and striving for equal international status. On the other hand, Zhou Enlai also realized that nationalism and Han chauvinism are deeply rooted in China's historical tradition, so when he proposed "ideological leadership in diplomatic work", he first emphasized "upholding internationalism and opposing narrow nationalism". In Zhou Enlai's thought, we always pay attention to distinguish between socialism, patriotism and bourgeois chauvinism, and oppose all kinds of narrow nationalism.
5. The idea of equality and mutual benefit in international economic cooperation.
Foreign scholars have noticed that China has given sincere assistance to third world countries, while criticizing western countries for attaching political conditions and demanding privileges when providing economic assistance to underdeveloped countries. Volohova pointed out that Zhou Enlai emphasized that equality and mutual benefit and mutual respect for national sovereignty are the principles that socialist countries must adhere to in economic cooperation; Zhou Enlai believes that equal economic cooperation will not only promote the economic development of the countries concerned, but also have a beneficial impact on improving the overall international situation.
(4) Zhou Enlai's diplomatic style.
Foreign dignitaries and scholars spoke highly of Zhou Enlai's diplomatic style. Wilson wrote: The unique charm formed by Zhou Enlai's demeanor, personality and temperament has an appeal and attraction to everyone who has met him. He is compassionate, understanding and good at communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds. All these make him an important figure in the world diplomatic arena.
First of all, Zhou Enlai embodied the gentlemanly temperament of politicians with ancient civilizations in his diplomatic activities, and he was friendly, upright, humble, patient, elegant, considerate of others and stressed on credit, which left a deep impression on politicians and diplomats from all over the world. Nixon wrote: Zhou Enlai's different roles don't give the impression of indecision and renege. He is a very shrewd man. "He showed great charm and steadiness through elegant manners, standing and relaxing posture. He faithfully maintained the old China rule that he never "tore his face" in personal relations and politics. Zhou's appearance gives people the impression that he is very enthusiastic, very frank, extremely heavy and sincere. " Note: Nixon: leader, p. 26 1. Kissinger also emphasized Zhou Enlai's consideration and care for people. Wilson called Zhou Enlai a "rare man of integrity". Helen snow thinks that Zhou Enlai is magnanimous, well-educated, wise and frank, so it is not surprising that the relationship between the East and the West thawed during his active period as prime minister. Note: helen snow: Years in China-Memoirs of helen snow, World Knowledge Publishing House, 1985, p. 26 1. The writer is edgar snow's first wife. . On the other hand, Zhou Enlai's style also shows the extraordinary qualities of politicians trained in his revolutionary career, such as keenness, calmness, tenacity, amazing memory and superb negotiation art. According to Volohova, these characteristics make Zhou Enlai have "God-given ability" in diplomatic activities: persuasive ability, exuberant energy, superhuman self-control when nervous, excellent psychological ability to collect information from different channels, insight, convincing and reasonable ability to explain his views and the ability to coordinate himself with social norms. Nixon and Kissinger also expressed their respect and admiration for Zhou Enlai with "volcano under the ice cap".
Foreign scholars have also studied Zhou Enlai's diplomatic style in many aspects. Volohova summed up four characteristics of Zhou Enlai's diplomatic practice: 1, creating conditions for public opinion and psychological communication through mass media and a large number of "informal channels"; 2. Make careful preparations for the negotiations; 3. Use past experience to seek common ground while reserving differences; 4. The wording of the communique should be careful for the future.