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借刀杀人 (jiè dāo shā rén)
*Jiè dāo shā rén* is one of China’s Thirty‑Six Stratagems. Literally “borrow a knife to kill”, it refers to the manipulative trick of making a third party eliminate your opponent. The schemer stays hidden and avoids blame. It applies to military, political and real‑world scenarios, corresponding to “use someone as a cat’s‑paw” in English.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 31.10
This is Explanation Two from Han Feizi: Inner Congested Sayings. With over ten cases covering households, courts and state relations, it illustrates the structural conflicts between ministers’ private interests and national interests.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 31.8
This excerpt is from “Temple‑Scheme Offensive” in Han Feizi. Marking a shift from defense to offense, it advises rulers to turn domestic‑forbidden stratagems into weapons against foes. Scheming within the court, one subdues enemy troops without fighting.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 31.7
This excerpt is from “Canon Six: Dismissal and Appointment” in Han Feizi. It shifts focus from domestic governance to international relations, exposing a cross‑border power tactic: hostile states undermine a realm by meddling in its official appointments instead of waging war.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 31.6
This Han Feizi passage examines “Mutual Suspicion Among Rivals”. Citing multiple Spring‑and‑Autumn power‑struggle cases, it argues blurred hierarchies breed deadly political turmoil, so wise rulers must enforce clear rank distinctions.