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Chapter 13 Lian Yun decides on the bottom line

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    Sunlight passes through the window and shines into this office, which is far from spacious. Both the left and right walls of this office are integrated bookcases. The bookcases are filled with various books, many of which are from China.  Classics, including pan-Confucian academic classics, as well as a large number of English books.  //www.//Except for the two large bookcases, there is only a large desk in the office. The desk faces the window, which is a Western-style floor-to-ceiling window.

    There are four chairs placed in a half garden in front of the desk. At this time, four people are sitting on the four chairs. Zhang Yilin, Lu Zhengxiang, Gu Weijun, and Cao Rulin are sitting in front of the desk in turn. One of these four people is the secretary of the Prime Minister's Office.  The first is the Director-General of Foreign Affairs, the second is the Director of Foreign Affairs of the State Council, and the last one is the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs.

    Looking at the four people in front of him, Li Zicheng, who was smoking a cigar, felt a little funny, because if he went by the textbook, he was now fighting against "the country's delinquent", "incompetent", "traitor", "traitor" and "compromise".  ", "surrender" diplomats work together.

    The Beiyang Era began with Yuan Shikai¡¯s military training at the small station and ended with the successful Northern Expedition of the National Revolutionary Army and the change of flag in Northeast China.  Both parties vigorously attacked the Beiyang period, describing the Beiyang period as the darkest era in Chinese history, which was connected with stereotypes such as the failure of the Westernization Movement, the destruction of the Yangtze Navy, and the betrayal of the Beiyang warlords.  Was the Beiyang era a time of warlords fighting and the people living in dire straits?

    But after coming to this era, I realized that sometimes textbooks are just textbooks. People always continue to vilify their opponents for their own political interests. In fact, Beiyang is an era and force that has been vilified.  Although Yuan Shikai became the president at this time and the localities were also semi-independent, they still had moral constraints and would not kill everyone; there were many factions in Beiyang, and more importantly, this era was a diversified  In this era, the social atmosphere was free and relaxed, there was no official ideology, ideas flourished, and there was academic freedom. It was a golden age for intellectuals and education.

    In terms of diplomacy, through the transformation of old diplomatic institutions in the late Qing Dynasty and the establishment of new ones, the modernization of diplomatic institutions was completed, allowing a new group of professional and technical diplomats to enter the diplomatic stage.  They went abroad to receive specialized education in various forms and were the first group in China to open their eyes to the world.

    And diplomats have a high prestige. Diplomacy is not constrained by partisan interests. It can proceed from actual national interests and can make decisions more independently and sustainably than other departments.  However, due to long-term indoctrination in revolutionary diplomacy, Beiyang diplomats described as cunning, excellent, and difficult in the archives of the great powers became "compradors", "lackeys", and "servants" in later textbooks, and the results of negotiations were wiped out.

    The diplomacy of the Beiyang period had merits and demerits, but many people only saw the bad in the past and failed to see the good. They only emphasized today's achievements and past mistakes. They gave in because they took the overall situation into consideration, and when others gave in, they lost their power and humiliated the country.  That double standard is so ridiculous.

    Just like now, just like this time, if according to the "standards" of future generations, wouldn't I be "losing power and humiliating the country" and "traitoring and compromising"!  With a cigar between his fingertips, Li Zicheng began to recall the history he had learned in the past.

    Since modern China came into contact with the world, it has suffered humiliation and setbacks, and the "unequal treaties" can be regarded as the most obvious scars.  Since the 1920s, patriotic propaganda such as "anti-imperialism and abolition of unequal treaties" and "abolition of unequal treaties" have begun to take root in the hearts of the people. Since then, who has "abolition of unequal treaties" to end a century of national humiliation is closely related to the legitimacy of the regime.

    The Nationalist Government benefited from the anti-imperialist and anti-warlord passions after the May 30th and took power after the Great Revolution. It emphasized that it was always committed to abolition of treaties, and during the Anti-Japanese War, it signed the "Sino-US New Treaty", "Sino-British New Treaty", etc.  , abolished the "unequal treaties", but belittled the importance of the Axis powers returning their privileges to Wang Jingwei's regime.  Later, for political purposes, a certain party belittled the achievements of the Nationalist Government in abolishing the "unequal treaties", pointing out that there were still many unrecovered rights, and emphasized that they were the first to propose the abolition of the treaty and fought unremittingly; 49  After the year, the forces and influences of imperialism were completely wiped out, and the chains of "unequal treaties" that were tied to the Chinese nation were lifted.  In the end, the return of Hong Kong and Macau will truly end a century of national humiliation.

    In fact, "unequal treaties" carry a century of national tragedy and have strong political connotations. The introduction and use of its concept means doubting and challenging the legality and effectiveness of the treaty, and then advocating for its "abolition", but it is too  It would be contradictory to overemphasize the moral flaws of "unequal treaties" and the moral superiority of "abolition of treaties".  The Qing government also enjoyed treaty privileges in foreign countries, such as three concessions in North Korea. In addition, there were also Chinese concessions in public concessions such as Zengnanpu, and they enjoyed consular jurisdiction.  Before the Treaty of Shimonoseki, China and Japan shared consular jurisdiction over each other.

    It should be said that the main role of "abrogation" is internal and closely related to real politics.  A rich and exciting process of ¡°revising the contract¡±and achievements, have been obscured by the concept of "abolition of treaties", resulting in the efforts of generations of diplomats being forgotten, and many characteristics and development processes of China's diplomacy being ignored and distorted, making it impossible to summarize the results and understand the past with peace of mind.

    Getting rid of the shackles of treaties is a goal unanimously shared by the whole country, and "amending treaties" and "abolishing treaties" are both means to achieve the goal.  "Revise the treaty" follows legal channels and amends the treaty of equality in accordance with the requirements of legal principles; if the opponent country insists on refusing to revise the old treaty, it can resort to revolution and public opinion and take the political route to "abort the treaty" and get rid of the constraints of the old treaty, with the purpose of returning to the original  Make a new covenant of equality.  "Amendment of treaties" and "abrogation of treaties" should be complementary to each other. Different choices or interactive applications can be made depending on the environment, current events and one's own circumstances. "Treaties must be observed" is a long-standing Western legal tradition. Treaties can be modified, but  Amending a treaty should not negate the principle that "treaties must be observed."

    However, after the May 30th Massacre in 1925, the two parties advocated "anti-imperialist abolition of the treaty" and emphasized that abolition and amendment were two completely different things. They defined "amendment of the treaty" as a traitorous act of compromising and surrendering with imperialism.  Only through the Treaty can we lift the shackles and get rid of the semi-colonial status.  Since then, "amendment of treaties" and "abolition of treaties" have become two clearly irreconcilable lines. Whether to advocate the unconditional "abolition of unequal treaties" is the watershed between patriotism and counterrevolution, good and bad.  "Revising the treaty" has become deeply ingrained in the minds of Chinese people and has become a negative term.

    "I have no other requirements,"

    Holding a cigar, Li Zicheng made a gesture.

    "From now on, all decisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be approved by the State Council. At the same time, envoys stationed abroad are strictly ordered not to make any remarks that are contrary to the decisions of the State Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This must be stated to them  .¡±

    After saying that, a smile flashed on the corner of his mouth and he patted the hand gently a few times.

    During the conversation, Cao Rulin just kept holding the match and lighting his cigarette. I don¡¯t know whether it was because of nervousness or other emotions that made his fingers tremble slightly, and it was even difficult to light the match. At this moment  , with a crisp sound, a gold lighter appeared in front of him with flames. He raised his head in surprise, only to see the Prime Minister lighting a cigarette for him.

    "Secretary Cao!"

    Li Zicheng said loudly while looking at Cao Rulin, a famous "pro-Japanese faction" in history, with a smile.

    "Our time is very precious, so I hope we will not waste any time. Now when countries propose to amend the treaty, we must attack and attack again and never stop any steps."

    Seeing that Cao Rulin was about to speak, Li Zicheng waved his hand and said:

    "Okay, okay. Although you haven't said anything yet, I already understand what you want to say. Let me talk about the steps of this matter first."

    There was a pause.  After taking two puffs of his cigar, Li Zicheng glanced at everyone.

    "My opinions are very simple, only three points,"

    Licking his lips, a smile appeared on Li Zicheng's face.

    "The first point is that every staff member cannot slow down work. On the contrary, they must work harder. Needless to say, you all work very hard and you are all enthusiastic about your work. I am very grateful to you. But there is one more thing  ¡ª¡ªYou must never forget, that¡¯s the second point I want to say.¡±

    He took two more puffs of cigarette, but all that came out of his mouth was hot air.  This is another blow.

    "The second point is: we must understand that this matter is related to the rise and fall of China's national destiny in the next few decades. During the Battle of Tsushima, Marshal Togo once said, "The rise and fall of the empire depends on this battle." And today I think  What it means is that the rise and fall of China depends on this battle. It is undeniable that every one of us is patriotic, but patriotic enthusiasm is not enough. In this matter, we must make full use of the contradictions of various countries and the interests of various countries.  and points, choose a few suitable targets, and open a few breakthroughs."

    Looking at the faces of the four of them, the muscles on Li Zicheng's face twitched - expressing a smile.  He continued:

    ""Treaty amendment" and "treaty abolition" are both means to achieve the goal. "Amendment" follows legal channels and revise equality treaties based on legal requirements; if the opponent country insists on refusing to amend the old treaty, it can resort to toughness and public opinion.  Taking the political route of "abolishing the treaty" and getting rid of the shackles of the old covenant, the purpose is still to rewrite the new covenant of equality. "Amendment of the treaty" and "abrogation of the treaty" should be complementary to each other, and different actions can be taken depending on the environment, current events and one's own circumstances.  Select or interact with each other."

    After a moment of silence, Li Zicheng added.

    "Although those unequal treaties are evil and imposed treaties, none of which we signed voluntarily, but since we are in this era of strong predators, and since we have to play this game, unless one day, we  We have the ability to formulate the rules of the game. Otherwise, we must abide by the rules of the game set by the Westerners. "The treaty must"A treaty must be abided by" is a long-standing Western legal tradition. Treaties can be modified, but modifying treaties should not negate the principle of "treaties must be abided by."

    When talking about "treaties must be abided by," Li Zicheng seemed a little helpless. The principle of "treaties must be abided by" may seem a bit nonsense, but it is the most basic rule of the game. This principle applies to both weak and powerful countries.  Universally binding.

    "You are all experts in diplomacy. You are better at diplomacy than me. I am a layman, so I am very frank. There may be some things I have not considered. You can point them out directly. But on issues of principle,  There is no politeness to say, and there is no room for negotiation. I think you will definitely work hard to achieve the goal of "revising the New Testament." The country will remember you, the people will thank you, and I am also grateful to you."

    Looking at the four people in front of them, they will form a small group that "revises the New Testament". They must take on the task of negotiating with various countries in the future. They must use all diplomatic means to achieve the ultimate goal, but they will not give up.  .

    "You are working - do you have any questions?"

    Seeing that the four of them were just silent, Zicheng asked again.

    "If you need anything, just say so. If you need a military exercise, you only need a phone call."

    Li Zicheng had a smile on his face. In his understanding, in later generations, what was used to express a tough stance was often a direct military exercise. However, in this era, it is unclear whether outsiders can understand it.

    The president-in-charge only made Lu Zhengxiang, Gu Weijun and Cao Rulin slightly stunned. After looking at each other, Lu Zhengxiang asked.

    "Prime Minister, you said before that insisting on equality and reciprocity when negotiating with non-treaty countries will no longer grant privileges. Even if the negotiations fail and diplomatic relations cannot be established, you cannot accommodate. As for the President?"

    Striving for recognition from various countries can be something that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working hard on in recent years. Now, although major countries have recognized China, there are still many countries that have not yet established diplomatic relations, and the president has decided to "make friends all over the world"  It is obvious that Li Zicheng's decision is contrary to the president's decision.

    He put the cigar in his mouth, then looked directly at Lu Zhengxiang and was silent for a long time:

    "Well, well, well. I know, I know. I don't have extra time to talk about this matter. In the future - you don't need to mention this matter again. I can tell you clearly that starting from today, if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  Sign even a treaty that is not equal and reciprocal, and then give any country any privileges"

    He laughed coldly, glanced at the four of them at the same time, and snorted with a nasal sound.

    "Now, although the central government has made a profit of 30 million since last year, the fiscal crisis is still bothering us. Especially starting from this year, the country's large-scale industrial construction has begun, and the fiscal crisis is just around the corner. This year's tariffs will still be over.  Reaching 20 million yuan, if the tariff is increased to 10%, the customs surplus will exceed 10 million yuan. If the tariff power can be taken back, not only will the financial crisis be alleviated, but a one-year surplus will allow our country to build multiple large-scale industrial entities.  , therefore, striving for tariff autonomy will be the focus and the first step in re-writing the new treaty!¡±

    Looking at the four of them, Li Zicheng began to set out the work steps. Regardless of the objective urgency or practicality, taking back tariff sovereignty should be the first step. Firstly, it is because the government needs to increase tariffs and increase government revenue.  , for industrial construction in the next few years. On the other hand, in the past few years, I have had frequent contacts with people from all walks of life in the United States. At the same time, the Ministry of Security has also used every opportunity possible to learn about the details of the United States.

    Regarding the attitude of the United States, Li Zicheng is now very clear: U.S. Minister to China Reince is not opposed to the renegotiation of the tariff treaty, but he is supported by American entrepreneurs investing in China.  However, there are nearly 10,000 American expatriates in China, one-tenth of whom are missionaries.  Churches in various places are on the side of China. After the boycott of American goods in the late Qing Dynasty, they sent letters to the White House urging the U.S. government to improve relations with China so as to encourage more Chinese to believe in religion and join the church.  The influence on the church in Washington is much greater than that of entrepreneurs who only care about cash.

    Moreover, now Rui Enshi has also been affected by his own influence. In Washington and in Congress, Congress has begun to discuss the proposal forwarded by the lobbying company calling for equal treatment of China. It will be reviewed soon. Regarding the results of the review, Li Zicheng  There is no doubt that the company has invested nearly a million dollars in that proposal.

    It can be said that everything is ready, all it needs is the east wind, and today I am going to encourage this east wind here, and then take advantage of this east wind to induce the United States to agree. As long as a breakthrough is opened, the remaining problems will be simple.  And most importantly¡­

    "Now, due to the issue of customs personnel rights,?, the relationship between the State Council and the Customs is very stiff, but the British side will not persist for long. Soon, a more suitable person will be elected as the General Taxation Department of Customs. Once the current General Taxation Department of Customs is dismissed, then the State Council will  We will fully cooperate with the actions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Now"

    Looking at Lu Zhengxiang and Cao Rulin, he finally set his sights on Gu Weijun. Compared to the first two people, he was more willing to trust the people around him, especially Cao Rulin. The disgust of history can always influence people's minds.

    "What you need is to tell the countries about our decision and remind them! Zici, tomorrow, in the name of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you announced the abolition of the old covenant and the establishment of a new covenant, and the abolition of the old covenant and the establishment of a new covenant.  Three principles shall be followed: A treaty that has expired shall be naturally abrogated and a new treaty shall be made; if the treaty has not yet expired, the government shall terminate it through appropriate procedures and make a new treaty; if the old treaty expires but a new treaty has not been made, another treaty shall be made.  To deal with everything with temporary measures. Abolition of unequal treaties by rewriting the New Covenant, starting from today until the rewriting of the New Covenant is completed, is the central task of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, do you understand?"

    When the words fell, Li Zicheng looked directly at Lu Zhengxiang, but his thoughts flew away from the State Council. He knew the people well. He knew very well that once the State Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed this attitude, it would not only cause confusion in the capital.  A sensation will also cause a turmoil in the country. At that time, what you need is to use public opinion to manipulate public opinion, turn public opinion into reality, and at the same time launch "national diplomacy". Such a big thing can be successful!

    "President, please rest assured that we will live up to our mission and fulfill the great trust of the people!"
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