Assessment of Li Hongzhang's foreign policy from the point of view of the modern political system of the People's Republic of China

The article is devoted to the analysis of the foreign policy strategy of Li Hongzhang, one of the most prominent Chinese diplomats and political figures of the late 19th century. The article examines the activities of the influential dignitary of the Qing Empire in order to establish the status of the state in the international arena. Criticism of Li Hongzhang is due to his concessions to foreign powers, so his policy is considered inconsistent with the national interests of the country. Despite this, his actions can be regarded as a manifestation of a realistic approach to international relations, which in many ways anticipated the pragmatic foreign policy of Western states. The author analyzes the process of transformation of China's role in international relations, its transition from a backward and semi-colonial country to a leading power in the region and the world. Particular attention in the text is paid to the characteristics of the country's foreign policy from the end of the 20th century to the present day. The article attempts to rethink the diplomatic work of Li Hongzhang through the prism of modern international relations and the foreign policy strategy of the PRC. The article analyzes his political views and key moments in his career, including his role in concluding unequal treaties that had long-term consequences for China. The final part of the article provides a comparative description of the two foreign policies, and describes the influence of the new political elite of the PRC on the country's changed role today. The comparison between Li Hongzhang's traditional diplomatic methods and the strategies used by the modern political elite of the PRC includes the following criteria: protecting national interests, using "soft power", strategic partnership and a multilateral approach to international relations. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the legacy in China's emerging initiatives, such as "One Belt, One Road" (including the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road"). Thus, the author of the article emphasizes the importance of studying the historical context and the role of the individual in it for considering the strategies and courses of the country's foreign policy in the future.

Li Hongzhang, China, PRC, CPC, Qing, Imperialism, Foreign policy, Modernization, Unequal treaties, International relations