European dominance of China

18th century China was prosperous, industries were multiplying all over the country, people had more wealth and leisure. China produced tea and porcelain and exports were strictly controlled, the China trade was all one way, draining European coffers of cash. The British wanted to pay in goods, they sent an embassy to China to show what Britain could produce

Emperor Qianlong (乾隆 → Qiánlōng) was sceptical but saw the value of putting trade on an official footing.

"Our heavenly dynasty is so abundant that there is nothing we cannot produce, so we do not rely on foreign goods for trade, in contrast we produce .... goods which are needed by every western country, however I am prepared to allow you to trade with us and open up official trading houses."

Qianlong's generosity was misplaced, China failed to read the signals of a challenge, which in the next century, would reverse the east-west balance of power.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• China
• British
• European
• Colonial
• Trade

[m0rttal]

hail to the all mighty Communist for helping China survive all these years, we shall rise up again to what once should belong to US that the IMPERIALIST ROB not just from us but enslave the entire PLANET.

[stephentsang2000]

As the Chinese proverb says: "Fang Shui (a simile meaning one's path of fortune) takes its turns." Now the East West balance of power is going to reverse back~ China alone could take on the combined might of the whole western world within this century.

[Jtomo1987]

@cytongtong China and Russia have not been allies for 40 years, in fact they have frosty relations.

[cytongtong]

@stephentsang2000

China with it's ally Russia will dominate the world.

[STOPLYINGPUNK]

that's true

[JBXyooj]

This is what would happen again, should China allow the U.S. to pressure it.