During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, wars and alliances among the vassal states were the norm. Qi, once a powerful state, was defeated by the combined forces of five other states, while Chu chose to divide the alliance of the five states out of its own interests. The reasons behind this were complex and profound, involving strategic mistakes, geopolitics, and the game of alliance relationships.

### Strategic Mistakes of Qi

Qi was a powerful state in the early Warring States period, but over time, its internal politics became corrupt, and its military slackened. When the five states of Qin, Zhao, Wei, Han, and Yan formed an alliance against Qi, Qi failed to promptly perceive this threat and did not take effective diplomatic measures to dissolve or ease the alliance. At the same time, Qi underestimated the strength of the combined forces of the five states and did not make sufficient preparations for war.

When the five states attacked Qi, Qi's army appeared passive and sluggish in strategy and tactics. With the betrayal of its ally Yan, internal divisions emerged within Qi, making it impossible to form a unified force against the enemy. These factors together led to the rapid collapse of Qi in the war.

### Motivation of Chu to Divide the Alliance of the Five States

As one of the major powers at that time, Chu was extremely sensitive to the political situation around it. The success of the five states' attack on Qi would pose a potential threat to Chu. Therefore, it was necessary for Chu to intervene in this situation to maintain its own security and the balance of power in the region.

Through diplomatic means, Chu successfully weakened the cooperation among the five states by exploiting their differences in interests. For example, Chu may have offered certain countries incentives or hinted at supporting their independent development, thus undermining the unity among the five states. Additionally, Chu may have exploited the dissatisfaction among the states over the distribution of post-war interests in Qi, deepening mistrust and conflicts among them.

In summary, Chu's strategy of division was based on a precise grasp of the international situation and a deep understanding of the psychology of the various states. Through this strategy, Chu not only protected its own interests but also expanded its influence.

### Conclusion

The war between the five states attacking Qi and Chu dividing the alliance of the five states demonstrate the complex international relations and changing alliance structures during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Qi's failure reminds us that any country facing external threats needs to have clear strategic judgments and strong internal cohesion. On the other hand, Chu's strategy illustrates that in a situation of multilateral competition, flexible diplomacy and keen insight into the situation are key to safeguarding national interests.

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