The Qing Government Strategy Of Negotiations About Ili With Russia

Taking chance of the chaotic situation in Xinjiang and the Russia-UK confrontation, Russia, which had always been longing for Chinese territory, sent troops and occupied Ili in July, 1871; hence aroused decade-long negotiations between China and Russia. In the beginning of the negotiations, most effort ran in vain because Xinjiang has not been regained. So Qing government changed their policy and concentrated itself in westward expedition in order to create conditions for regaining Ili. After Xinjiang was recovered, Qing government dispatches envoy to Russia. Because of the mistake of Qing government's instruction and the envoy Chonghou fear to Russia and eager for success, the treaty was signed, however, with too much loss in national interests. The Qing government ultimately rejected the treaty and decided to change the envoy for amending the treaty.Zeng Jize, with his outstanding diplomatic skills and the government's support and trust, going through twists and turns, made a successful amending of the treaty, and Ili return to the embrace of the motherland. Throughout the course of negotiations, The Qing government adjusted its policy and strategy according to different situations, resulting in successes as well as failures. Although Ili finally recovered, the treaty is still an unequal treaty.