远交近攻 — “Befriend distant, attack near”
远交近攻 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to forge alliances with distant entities while engaging in conflict with neighboring ones; a strategy often employed in diplomacy or competitive situations to consolidate power or gain an advantage”. Literally, “Befriend distant, attack near”.
远交近攻 Pronunciation and Pinyin
远交近攻 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 远交近攻
Origin and Story of 远交近攻
During the Warring States period, King Zhaoxiang of Qin sought advice from his prime minister, Zhang Lu (also known as Fan Sui), regarding strategies for governing the realm.
Zhang Lu explained that Qin, blessed with natural defenses and a strong military, was powerful enough to assert its authority over the other feudal states. He criticized the recent decision to attack the distant state of Qi as a significant mistake.
Instead, Zhang Lu advocated for a strategy of 'befriending distant states while attacking nearby ones' (远交近攻). He warned against repeating past errors, referencing how the state of Wei's campaign against Zhongshan ultimately allowed the state of Zhao to annex Zhongshan.
Convinced by Zhang Lu's counsel, King Qin adopted this strategic approach.
Idioms Related to 远交近攻
More idioms starting with 远
- yuǎn远bù不jiàn间qīn亲Outsiders don't interfere with close relations
- yuǎn远jǔ举gāo高fēi飞fly far and high to a better future
- yuǎn远jǐng井bù不jiě解jìn近kě渴Distant aid cannot satisfy immediate needs
- yuǎn远qīn亲bù不rú如jìn近lín邻Near neighbors are better than distant relatives
- yuǎn远qīn亲jìn近yǒu友Distant relatives and close friends
- yuǎn远qīn亲jìn近lín邻distant relatives, close neighbors
- yuǎn远tú图zhǎng长lǜ虑plan and consider long-term
- yuǎn远zài在qiān千lǐ里，，jìn近zài在mù目qián前Perception makes things far or near
- yuǎn远zài在tiān天biān边，，jìn近zài在yǎn眼qián前far away yet right before you
- yuǎn远chuí垂bù不xiǔ朽achieve lasting fame
- yuǎn远chù处kuā夸chēng称，，jìn近fāng方mài卖nong弄boast and show off everywhere
- yuǎn远hài害quán全shēn身keep out of harm's way
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Open the tool →Questions about 远交近攻
What does 远交近攻 mean?
远交近攻 (yuǎn jiāo jìn gōng) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to forge alliances with distant entities while engaging in conflict with neighboring ones; a strategy often employed in diplomacy or competitive situations to consolidate power or gain an advantage”.
How do you pronounce 远交近攻?
远交近攻 is pronounced yuǎn jiāo jìn gōng in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 远交近攻 literally mean?
Literally, 远交近攻 means “Befriend distant, attack near”. It is used to mean “to forge alliances with distant entities while engaging in conflict with neighboring ones; a strategy often employed in diplomacy or competitive situations to consolidate power or gain an advantage”.
Where does 远交近攻 come from?
远交近攻 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 远交近攻?
联络距离远的国家，进攻邻近的国家。这时战国时秦国采取的一种外资策略。后也指待人处世的一种手段。