All diplomacy is a continuation of war by other means.
Meaning of the quote
Diplomacy, or the way countries communicate and negotiate with each other, is often used to avoid actual war. However, according to Zhou Enlai, a famous Chinese statesman, diplomacy can also be a way to continue the goals of war, just through different methods. In other words, even when countries are not openly fighting, they may still be trying to achieve the same objectives they would in a war, just using different tactics and strategies.
About Zhou Enlai
Zhou Enlai was a prominent Chinese statesman, diplomat, and revolutionary who served as the first Premier of the People’s Republic of China for over 20 years. He played a key role in the rise and consolidation of the Communist Party’s power, as well as in China’s foreign policy and economic development. Despite the turbulence of the Cultural Revolution, Zhou remained a stabilizing force and was widely respected for his efforts to protect others and mitigate the damage caused by the Red Guards.