王韬是近代中国第一批突破封建文化羁绊而直接面对西方文化冲击的资产阶级启蒙思想家之一。自19世纪60年代起,他就不断地呼吁清朝统治者不仅要在内政方面“兴利除弊”,而且要在外交领域来一次全面革新,对外交改革的关注是王韬变法维新思想的重要组成部分。王韬虽未做过外交官,但他一直以“熟谙外交”自居。他曾多次发表文章和上书当局阐述自己的外交主张和设想,并不时暗示当权者自己虽别无长才,唯于“外交一途”堪备“君国驰驱”。近代中国办 Wang Tao was one of the first bourgeois enlightenment thinkers in modern China to break through the feudal culture and directly confront the impact of Western culture. Since the 1960s, he has continually called on the Qing rulers not only to “pros and cons” but also to carry out a comprehensive reform in the field of diplomacy. Concern over diplomatic reform is an important part of Wang Tao’s reform of the law. Although Wang Tao has not been a diplomat, he has always been “familiar with diplomacy”. He has repeatedly published articles and written authorities to elaborate his own diplomatic proposals and ideas. He has occasionally hinted that although those in power themselves have no other talents, he is only prepared to prepare for the “monarchy” in “one diplomatic way.” Modern China Office