Brilliant diplomats abount throughout the history of China. From as early as the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-221) to the fall of the Qing Dynasty (1911), Chinese diplomats had played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and prosperity for their land.
Twelve stories have been specially selected to demonstrate the eloquence, wit and courage of Chinese diplomats living in turbulent times.
Jiang Ziya and Zhuge Liang were astute negotiators and war strategists. Zhang Qian, the adventurous ambassador to the West, opened up the Silk Road. Feng Liao, the first female Chinese diplomat, averted war for the Han Imperial Court. Lin Zexu launched a furious campaign against the use of opium.
These stories and many more - full of charm and appeal, wit and wisdom - serve as an excellent introduction to the history and development of Chinese diplomacy.
