On Zhou Enlai's Diplomatic Ethical Thought

Diplomatic ethics is the principles and norms of moral relations and behaviors which restrict and harmonize diplomacy in international communication. It includes the code of ethics observed by individuals (individuals and groups engaged in diplomatic activities) who exercise sovereignty of their country in external affairs, the moral behavior and personality.In his diplomatic career, Zhou Enlai gradually integrated all strengths of others with his creative and developing diplomatic thought, which not only effectively guided the work at that time, but also laid the theoretical foundation for foreign policies and diplomacy of new China, thus forming the general framework. His diplomatic ethical thought is an integral part of his diplomatic thought, which is contained in his rich diplomatic theory and practice.Closely related to his growth and revolutionary practice, Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ethical thought came into being on the basis of the gradual improvement of his diplomatic concept by adapting to the changes in international relations and to the needs of Chinese national development. Of course, as a committed Marxist and diplomats who worked in the field of foreign affairs for a long time, the formation of Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ethical thought can not be separated with adhering to the ethical thought of Marx and Engels, Lenin, and Mao Zedong's diplomatic thought. The thought was put into practical use by implementing and developing Marxism, Leninism, Mao Zedong's thought. Although the experience of studying abroad and Western enlightening thought provided Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ethical thought with a certain amount of cultural resources, the education of Chinese traditional culture gave it with evident Chinese characteristics, endowing him with unique personal charm and moral spirit as a diplomat.Zhou Enlai's diplomatic thought consists of a wealth of ethical values which include the pursuit of human freedom and emancipation, the maintenance and promotion of world peace and development, and the seeking of the overall interests of the people in the world.Diplomatic principles of ethics are the basic principles of moral norms in guiding diplomatic practice with both distinctive international relations and outstanding national characteristics. They have universal applicable content, reflecting the demands of the interests of the class. Basic principles of Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ethics include the unity of internationalism and patriotism, idealism and realism. These basic principles were formed in the context of interaction between international and domestic backgrounds, which are commensurate with the specific social development for China at that time with Chinese characteristics of traditional ethics. These basic principles are closely related to the Five Principles which were created by Zhou Enlai in foreign contacts.Diplomatic ethical style is individual examples of diplomatic ethics and spiritual expressions of the norms of diplomatic ethics in practice. In the history of world diplomacy, Zhou Enlai gave us good impression with his unique personal charm and style of diplomatic ethics, and many foreign affairs have set us good examples in international communication. Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ethical style in his diplomatic practice can be summarized into the following four aspects:sticking to the principles and being neither haughty nor humble; seeking truth from facts and convincing people by reasoning; consulting in equal and seeking diversity; keeping promises and making friends sincerely.All in all, Zhou en-Lai's rich diplomatic ethical thought is a system of moral theory and diplomatic moral practice which include the target of diplomatic value, diplomatic ethical principles and style. It is the use and development of Marxist's ethical thought into China's diplomacy. It is also a new form of Chinese traditional ethical culture characterized by the integration of nationality and cosmopolitan, classic and nationwide unity, and the combination of ideal and practice in the history of new China's diplomacy.Zhou Enlai, who presided over the diplomatic service for26years, has made great contributions to new China's diplomacy as a core member of the first central collective leadership of the CPC. He wrote a glorious chapter with his grand diplomatic style and character in diplomatic history of China and the world, making great contribution to the formation and development of CPC's diplomatic ethical thought and ethics of international relations. Therefore, Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ethical thought has given valuable significance to the development of China and the world. Its core matches the value orientation of establishing the image of "a responsible power". Zhou Enlai's diplomatic thought, diplomatic practice, diplomatic spirit, and the behavior of its successors are still the powerful weapon in fighting against "China Threat". Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ethical thought still adds vitality to constructing a fair and rational new international political order, handling a variety of ethical conflicts and international disputes, safeguarding world peace and development, building a harmonious world with common prosperity.