Just finished this book. It’s been 20 years since I read one of his books. I almost forgot what a magnificent writer he is. This book had some poignant moments toward the end. Great book.
In 1885 at the convention of Hunchun the Chinese government tried to negotiate an outlet to the Sea of Japan. The place discussed was Posyet Bay, south of Vladivostok. The Russians refused to consider it given they had designs on Korea and purposely drew a 15 km arbitrary border with it. Thus Manchuria became landlocked with a stroke of a pen, a mere dozen kilometers from the sea.
You are absolutely 100% completely wrong about the China Russia relationship. The way you described the Russians as hairy and drunk is a western way of thinking. From the city of Khabarovsk, you can travel into China and visa versa, there is respect from both sides.
I recently bought this book and just about reached Nerachinsk. Love your work.
Just finished this book. It’s been 20 years since I read one of his books. I almost forgot what a magnificent writer he is. This book had some poignant moments toward the end. Great book.
In 1885 at the convention of Hunchun the Chinese government tried to negotiate an outlet to the Sea of Japan. The place discussed was Posyet Bay, south of Vladivostok. The Russians refused to consider it given they had designs on Korea and purposely drew a 15 km arbitrary border with it. Thus Manchuria became landlocked with a stroke of a pen, a mere dozen kilometers from the sea.
You are absolutely 100% completely wrong about the China Russia relationship. The way you described the Russians as hairy and drunk is a western way of thinking. From the city of Khabarovsk, you can travel into China and visa versa, there is respect from both sides.