[-AI-3.5]The history of relations between Europe and China( 15th - 19th century)

Abstract

ヨーロッパと中国の関係は長い歴史があります。15世紀には、ヨーロッパの探検家やカトリックの宣教師が中国に到着して、中国との貿易関係が始まりました。17世紀には、オランダが中国と貿易を開始し、紅茶、陶磁器、絹、香辛料などをヨーロッパに輸出しました。18世紀には、キリスト教と儒教の比較や、イギリスと中国の貿易関係、そして康煕帝が西洋文化に興味を持つなど、文化交流が始まりました。しかしながら、19世紀には、中国の不平等条約や多くの中国人労働者の移民など、中国への侵略が起こりました。現在、国際社会は中国の経済力や米中貿易戦争、ウイグル人の人権問題や台湾問題に注目しています。

Table of contents

• Introduction
• 15th to 17th century: Traders and missionaries
• 18th century: The beginning of cultural exchange
• Early 19th century: Unequal treaties and their effects
• Late 19th century: The Sino-Japanese War and the influence of the Great Powers
• Present day: Trade wars and human rights issues
• Conclusion

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Introduction

The relationship between Europe and China has a long history. In the 15th century, European explorers and Catholic missionaries arrived in China, and trade relations with China began. In the 17th century, the Netherlands entered into trade with China and exported Chinese tea, porcelain, silk, spices, etc. to Europe. In the 18th century, cultural exchanges began, such as comparing Christianity and Confucianism, trade relations between Britain and China, and Emperor Kangxi’s interest in Western culture. However, in the 19th century, invasion of China occurred with unequal treaties and many Chinese workers immigrating. Today, the international community is paying attention to China’s economic strength, the US- China trade war, and issues such as human rights of Uighur people and the Taiwan issue.

15th to 17th century: Merchants and Missionaries

European explorers set sail for East Asia, where China was located, seeking new markets for trade. Among them, the Dutch actively expanded trade with China and made a great profit. On the other hand, the Catholic Church was interested in spreading Christianity in China, which was considered the center of the world. Missionaries struggled to stay in China and spread Christianity, but sometimes faced obstacles due to political issues or cultural differences between China and Europe.

In addition, merchants were fascinated by the tea leaves fried on ships returning from China and contributed to the spread of tea culture in Europe.

Thanks to the trade relationship between the Netherlands and China, the Dutch East India Company became the first multinational corporation in Asia, and the Netherlands was able to establish itself as a major trading nation in Asia.

18th century: The Beginning of Cultural Exchange

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, European explorers sailed to China and their presence became widely known. During the same period, Catholic missionaries also established several missions in China. However, their presence was not well- received by the general population and they were often defeated. Meanwhile, the Dutch were able to trade with China. By the late 17th century, the Dutch East India Company was importing tea, cotton and silk from China and exporting silver, copper, and timber. In the 18th century, discussions comparing Christianity and Confucianism became popular, and Emperor Kangxi showed an interest in Western culture and studied subjects such as mathematics and astronomy. Afterwards, the British expanded their trade with China, and Emperor Kangxi began to pursue the idea of modernising China by incorporating Western technology. However, in the early 19th century, unequal treaties were signed, which promised various countries’ interests in China. This led to the excessive power of the Great Powers and China’s own decline, resulting in the Sino-Japanese War and the Boxer Rebellion. Even today, the Chinese government claims Taiwan as part of China and faces criticism from the international community regarding the Uyghur human rights issue. Although intercultural communication can be difficult, the development of the relationship between Europe and China through trade, diplomacy and cultural exchange has contributed to the development of both countries.

19th Century First Half: Unequal Treaties and Their Effects

The first half of the 19th century was a period of great upheaval in the relationship between China and Europe. After the First Opium War, unequal treaties were imposed and China was fully opened as a trading market. This led to many Chinese workers migrating to America and Australia, forming Chinatowns. However, during this period, a rebellion called the Boxer Rebellion occurred and intervention by the great powers increased. The Chinese fought to protect their culture and rights, but the diplomatic policies of this period were tense.

This period of exchange brought economic and social changes as well as cultural mutual understanding, but on the other hand, there was also a dark side of colonial rule. These events and unequal treaties have had a significant impact on later history and have become important issues in international politics.

Late 19th century: Influence of the Sino-Japanese War and the Great Powers

In the latter half of the 19th century, the Sino-Japanese War broke out. China was defeated and came under the influence of the great powers. As a result, the great powers divided China and began colonial rule. During this period, Sun Yat-sen launched the Xinhai Revolution, aiming to free China from colonial rule. However, much blood was shed and confusion continued in the process.

Today, China has established itself as a great power, with increasing economic and international influence. However, the relationship between China and Western countries has become more complex due to issues such as the US-China trade war, the Uyghur human rights issue, and the Taiwan issue. By looking back at history, we can understand the past relationship between China and Western countries, and consider the future of their relationship.

Modern Times: Trade Wars and Human Rights Issues

In the 21st century, China’s economy has become one of the largest in the world. As a result, its international influence has also increased. However, at the same time, the US-China trade war has erupted, and human rights issues in the Uighur and Taiwan regions have also been raised. China is struggling to respond to these challenges, and the situation has not yet been improved. Let us hope that China’s efforts to improve its relationship with the world will bear fruit.

Conclusion

By tracing the relationship between Europe and China from the 15th to the 19th century, we can understand world history. Merchants, missionaries, and military power were specific means of exchange, but later the influence of Western culture and the unequal distribution of trade became important issues for China. With China’s modern development, the US-China trade war and human rights issues have become topics of discussion. The relationship between the two countries is always advancing, but by learning from past history, we can make the future better.