Tánpàn zhōng, wǒfāng dàibiǎo jùlǐlìzhēng, wéihù le gōngsī lìyì.
In the negotiations, our representative argued firmly and protected the company's interests.
Tips
history
Attested in Qing novel 《文明小史》第三十八回: 实在下不去的地方，也该据理力争 — urging officials not to yield beyond reason when dealing with foreigners. The sense 'stand firmly on reasoned grounds' has carried into modern usage.
usage
Positive connotation — implies principled, not stubborn, argument. Common in legal, diplomatic, and workplace contexts. Contrast with 无理取闹 (making unreasonable trouble).
