Diplomacy methods of Zhanguo period: Zhang Yi

Bogdanova Nadezhda Andreevna, Solntseva Elena Georgievna

The article is devoted to the development of diplomacy in ancient China during the Zhanguo period (戰國). This is the time of the transition from the feudal system to a more progressive one. Seven strongest kingdoms (Wei, Han, Qi, Qin, Zhao, Chu, Yan) are fighting for leadership. For a complete victory in the creation of a unified empire, the Qin ruler had to, if possible, peacefully subjugate the remaining 6 kingdoms, using cunning diplomatic techniques. It was then that the attitude towards the ambassador changed, now he is not only the "voice" of the ruler, but also his adviser in diplomatic matters. Using the example of the strategist Zhang Yi, the role of a diplomat in the Zhanguo era is examined. Purpose of the study. Analyze the methods of strategy of the famous diplomat of antiquity Zhang Yi, who became the founder of the union 连 «(" lianheng "). According to Sima Qian's records, Zhang Yi proposed to unite the six kingdoms around the powerful Qin kingdom in a "horizontal union." Show by examples what strategies Zhang Yi used to embroil neighbors and induce them to act in the interests of the Qin state. Materials and methods. In their work, the authors rely on sources and literature in Chinese, as well as research materials in Russian, Chinese and English. Based on Chinese sources, as well as using a wide range of literature, primarily from Chinese researchers, the authors show the tactics of fighting, which is characteristic of Chinese strategic thinking, based on traditional philosophy. Conclusions. The authors note the growing role of the personality of the ambassador, the diplomat of the Zhanguo period. The article analyzes Zhang Yi's diplomatic activities through his application of strategies. Zhang Yi used the "method of persuasion" "势 禁 法" "shi jin fa" ("way to keep by force"), with which he managed to unite the scattered principalities into an alliance with the powerful kingdom of Qin. As a result, a centralized state was formed. Zhang Yi's methods of conducting diplomatic work played a significant role in the further history of China.

Keywords:history; diplomacy; history of China; history of diplomatic relations; Zhang Yi; foreign policy.