Britain and China: From Imperial Relations to Formal Equalization

Abstract

When discussing Anglo- or foreign-Chinese relations in the modern era, it must be remembered that the period preceding the outbreak of the Opium War was characterized by ‘foreign’ apprehension vis-à-vis the unknown and unpredictable Chinese. At that stage, the West had only limited experience of Chinese military capability and readiness to use force in defence of any perceived encroachment upon their ancient country and civilization. On the whole, experience had taught foreigners that the Chinese were a proud and unbending people. Thus, for example, China permitted the development of some foreign trade, treating it as part of the system by which vassal states paid tribute to the Empire in return for imperial largess.