The international landscape of 1935 was turbulent. At that time, the Soviet Union, under the iron-fisted policy of Joseph Stalin, was trying to expand its influence through strong diplomacy and military means. Mongolia, although declared independence in 1921, was still heavily influenced by the Soviet Union in its politics and economy. The complex relationship between Mongolia and the Soviet Union, ostensibly close cooperation but in fact full of subtle tensions, lies the contradiction between the Mongols' desire for independence and the Soviet Union's desire for control.
On a cold night in 1935, Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, was decorated to welcome a visit from Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. It was a night destined to go down in history, and the meeting between Mongolian Prime Minister Geril Gezhab and Stalin would be more than just an ordinary diplomatic banquet.
The ballroom was brightly lit and dignitaries from both countries gathered. In full view, Stalin entered the banquet hall with his usual majesty, while Gerilge Zab greeted the "big brother" with traditional Mongolian etiquette. After three rounds of drinking, the atmosphere seemed to be warm. Stalin smiled and told the audience the story of how the Soviet Union helped Mongolia defend itself against foreign aggression.
As Stalin's words revealed his dictates about the internal affairs of Mongolia, the atmosphere began to become tense. Gerzygzab's face gradually sank, and he felt the disrespect and desire for control revealed in the words of the Soviet leader. At this time, Stalin raised his voice, openly criticized the internal affairs of Mongolia, and even ridiculed Mongolia's desire for independence as a "fantasy".
The atmosphere suddenly froze, and the other people in the banquet hall also felt this sudden tension. Gerzygzab stood up and faced Stalin, his voice firm and powerful: "Comrade Stalin, Mongolia is small, but it also has its dignity and autonomy. We are not vassals without choice. ”
Stalin's face became ugly, he did not expect the Mongolian prime minister to be so blunt in front of everyone. He sneered and was about to refute, but he saw Gerzylegzab suddenly lean forward and a slap clearly landed on Stalin's face. At this moment, the entire banquet hall was silent, and everyone was shocked by this sudden scene.
Stalin touched his beaten face and was furious, but he knew that this was Ulaanbaatar, not Moscow. He suppressed the anger in his heart and said coldly, "You will pay for this slap." With that, he waved his hand to signal his entourage to leave, and the whole banquet ended in embarrassment and silence.
Afterwards, the fate of Gerile Zab changed dramatically because of this slap. Despite the fact that on the spot he expressed Mongolia's national self-esteem and will for independence, Soviet pressure came quickly and violently. Soon after, he was forced to resign and disappeared in the subsequent political purges, becoming another victim of Soviet influence. Although this incident has caused some repercussions in the international community, it has become more of a cautionary tale, showing the sadness and helplessness of a small country in the face of a big country.
This slap in the face is not only a challenge to power, but also a preservation of dignity. Although the actions of Gerile Gezab did not change the fate of Mongolia, they left a deep imprint on the hearts of the Mongols. He expressed the courage and dignity of the leader of a small country, despite the serious personal cost of that courage. In the long course of history, such moments, although short-lived, can provoke thinking: national independence and autonomy are not only geographical and political concepts, but also the embodiment of a nation's self-esteem and self-confidence. In the international arena, respect and understanding have always been a necessary prerequisite for maintaining peace and development, regardless of the size of the country.