Li Hong-Zhang And The Sino-French War

In the period of 1860s, Li Hong-zhang realized the disparity in strength between China and the West in the intercourse with those foreign countries, and accepted some diplomatic thoughts and regulation from the West. In the next decade, by the discussion on Defend the Territorial Sea, he brought out his systematically strategic thinking on national defence and foreign affairs of China. In the beginning of 1880s, while the French Colonist plotted to increase its power and interest within Vietnam, Li Hong-zhang reviewed the traditional Suzerainty-Vassalaye relation and system of Sino-Vietnam. In order to protect the security of China itself and its going Self-Made Campaign, he chose the strategy of avoiding fight and trying peace to deal with France, and signed the Li-Bao Treaty. After the Sino-French War broke up , Li Hong-zhang grasped the chance to switch his way to that of gaining peace with fight. For one thing, he instructed the fighting course and assisted those battle fields with goods and materials. For another, he enthusiastically advanced the two participant nation to negotiate to settle Vietnam concerned affairs. As a result, the both sides of the war signed the Treaty of Tianjing and the New Treaty of Sino-France. The Sino-French War was ended with the treaty. Through this war, France achieved its goal anticipated whereas China spent too much capital and materials on it. The Chinese defense of territorial sea was held in due to the cost. Consequently, the strategy on national defence and foreign affairs, designed by Li Hong-zhang earlier, failed to come true for ever.