The Dzungar Khanate, a political entity that left a strong mark on Chinese history. During the reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was a threat to China's northern frontier, but it was also hit hard by the Qing Dynasty many times. Although it was strategically located and expanding westward was a good choice, why did it choose to go toe-to-toe with the Qing Dynasty?
First of all, the rise of the Dzungar Khanate was closely linked to the fall of the Mongol Empire and the rise of the Qing dynasty in Manchuria. Based on the nomadic economy, the Dzungar Khanate has reached a certain level of development in various fields and has become a great power in the northern Xinjiang region. However, as the Qing Dynasty continued to grow in strength, it gradually formed a comprehensive encirclement posture against the Dzungar Khanate.
Second, the diplomatic dispute between the Dzungar Khanate and the Manchurian Qing Dynasty was extremely fierce. The Qing Dynasty tried to weaken the Dzungar Khanate through economic blockade and other means, causing it to lose foreign support. Dzungaria, on the other hand, sought cooperation with Russia, Iran, and other countries to counter the threat of the Qing Dynasty. However, the historical ties between the Dzungar Khanate and the Qing Dynasty made the Qing Dynasty reluctant to relinquish control over it.
Finally, the rulers of the Dzungar Khanate, with a strong sense of national righteousness and pride, were not willing to simply give up their territory and status. They believed that a truly powerful Dzungar Khanate could lead the development of the various tribes and promote wider commerce, trade, and cultural exchanges in the process. Therefore, they chose to put up their last stand against the Qing Dynasty in order to defend their national dignity and rights.
In general, the Dzungar Khanate's choice to fight the Qing Dynasty to the end was due to a combination of complex factors. Historical background, foreign policy, and a sense of national righteousness all play an important role in this. Although such a decision was not wise, it reflected the faith and persistence of the leaders of the Dzungar Khanate, while also demonstrating the complex relationship between different political entities throughout history.