Military Aspects of Nerchinsk Treaty Conclusion in 1689

Abstract

The article, based on documentary sources, examines the military confrontation between the Russians and the Manchus
in Nerchinsk during the negotiations concerning RussianChinese border establishment in 1689. The study provides detailed data on “war game" of both sides, aimed to put pressure on the opponent, without leading to an open military conflict. China had an advantage in transport communications and in number of military forces that were transferred to the place of negotiations. However, during the aggravation between the negotiators Fyodor Golovin, Russian ambassador, withdrew his troops for a field battle, in which he could use the hand-held firearms and artillery advantage of his troops instead of fortress
defense tactics. Thus he realized effectively the potential of his forces, leveling the numerical advantage of the Manchus. This
moment influenced the course of negotiations, persuading Chinese diplomats to abandon several unacceptable demands for Russia.