[-AI-3.5]The modern history of China-Europe relations since the 19th century

Abstract

中国とヨーロッパは、経済、文化、外交、貿易、環境など、様々な分野において長い歴史のある関係を持っています。本記事では、19世紀から現代までの交流と影響を紹介します。近代以降、中国とヨーロッパの関係は大きな変化を遂げました。19世紀には、清の王朝とヨーロッパの大国との間で経済的な交流が始まり、中央ヨーロッパ博覧会や科学技術の輸入などが行われました。20世紀前半には、文化的および外交的な交流が重要視され、慈禧太后の外交政策や五四運動の影響がありました。20世紀後半には、中国の改革開放政策が始まり、台湾との関係や中国の海外投資もありました。21世紀には、米中貿易戦争や共同開発プロジェクト、環境問題の解決に注目が集まっています。

19世紀：交流の始まり

近代以降、中国とヨーロッパの関係は、様々な文化交流や貿易を通じて発展しました。19世紀には、清王朝とヨーロッパの大国との間で経済的な交流が始まりました。清は絹と茶を提供し、ヨーロッパの大国は銀を提供しました。ヨーロッパでは中央博覧会において清の技術や文化が紹介され、一方で清王朝にはヨーロッパの科学技術が輸入され、近代化に重要な役割を果たしました。しかし、外交政策や文化交流はしばしば紛争があり、19世紀末には中国で反ヨーロッパ感情が高まりました。これは慈禧太后の厳格な政策や清朝の日清戦争の敗北によるものでした。この時期には、五四運動が起こり、西洋文化が注目されました。

20世紀前半：文化交流と外交

20世紀前半には、文化交流と外交が中国とヨーロッパの関係に重要な影響を与えました。多くの中国の知識人がヨーロッパで学び、その経験を持って帰国し、ヨーロッパの文化や政治システムを中国に紹介し、広く受け入れられました。この時期に、慈禧太后は日本、ロシア、英国などの外国と外交を行い、日清戦争につながる条約にサインをしました。一方、五四運動は中国の独立のための文化運動であり、文化的、政治的にも中国とヨーロッパの関係に重要な変化をもたらしました。この時期、中国は政治的不安定や武装紛争など数多くの課題に直面し、情報収集を積極的に欧州を通じて行わなければなりませんでした。その結果、中国で多くの新聞が創刊され、報道が進化しました。しかし、その進化は大きく欧州で確立された報道スタイルに影響を受けました。この時代においても、ヨーロッパと中国の関係は引き続き発展していき、後半のトレードと投資についても説明します。

20世紀後半：トレードと投資

1978年以降、中国は改革開放政策を推進し、外国企業との貿易や投資を促進してきました。この政策のおかげで、中国は徐々に世界的な貿易大国に成長し、国の発展に重要な役割を果たしています。台湾との関係は、中国の外交政策において重要な問題の一つとなっています。中国は台湾を自国の一部と見なしており、政治的関係のために政治的な緊張が時に高まることがあります。しかし、両国は経済的に協力し、文化交流を行っています。中国の海外投資は、国の経済成長に欠かせないものであり、中国企業は過去数十年間にわたり世界中に拡大してきました。しかし、海外投資の品質については懸念もあり、国際社会で議論されています。つまり、中国は、今日の国際社会で必要とされる貿易と投資において大きな進歩を遂げており、その進歩が認められています。

21世紀：競争と協力

中国は多額の債務を抱えながら、世界中の多くの国に投資してきました。しかし、それらの国々は、人権問題に十分な注意を払わない中国を批判しています。こうした状況から、米中貿易戦争、すなわち経済競争が始まりました。米中の関係は、最終的には協力に向かう必要があります。エネルギー資源などの分野で、特に環境問題において、共同研究やプロジェクトなどの協力が必要です。ただ、通貨切り下げ、知的財産権の侵害、人権問題など、他の問題も依然として残っています。全体として、米中の関係は競争的になり、両者とも代替市場を目指した措置を取っています。このような問題を解決するには、信頼関係の向上が必要です。

Table of contents

• Introduction
• 19th Century: Beginning of Exchange
• Early 20th Century: Cultural and Diplomatic Exchange
• Late 20th Century: Trade and Investment
• 21st Century: Competition and Cooperation
• Conclusion

-- CAUTION

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Introduction

China and Europe have a long history of relationship in various fields such as economy, culture, diplomacy, trade and environment. This article will introduce the exchanges and influences from the 19th century to the present day.

Since modern times, the relationship between China and Europe has undergone significant changes. In the 19th century, economic exchanges between the Qing dynasty and European powers began, including the Central European Exhibition and imports of science and technology. In the first half of the 20th century, cultural and diplomatic exchanges gained importance, including the influence of the foreign policy of Empress Dowager Cixi and the May Fourth Movement. In the latter half of the 20th century, China’s reform and opening policy began, and there were also relations with Taiwan and Chinese overseas investment. In the 21st century, attention has been drawn to the US-China trade war, joint development projects and efforts to address environmental issues.

19th Century: The Beginning of Communication

Since modern times, the relationship between China and Europe has developed through various cultural exchanges and trade. In the 19th century, economic exchanges began between the Qing dynasty and the European powers. The Qing provided silk and tea, while the European powers provided silver. At the Central Exposition in Europe, Qing technology and culture were introduced to Europe. In addition, European science and technology were imported into the Qing dynasty, playing an important role in its modernisation.

However, diplomatic policies and cultural exchanges were often full of disputes, and anti-European sentiment in China increased in the late 19th century. This was due to the strict policies of Empress Dowager Cixi and the defeat of the Qing dynasty in the First Sino-Japanese War. During this period, the May Fourth Movement occurred and Western culture gained attention.

First Half of the 20th Century: Cultural Exchange and Diplomacy

In the first half of the 20th century, cultural exchange and diplomacy had a significant impact on the relationship between China and Europe. This was due to many Chinese intellectuals studying in Europe and returning with their experiences, introducing European culture and political systems to China, which were widely accepted. During this period, Empress Dowager Cixi engaged in diplomacy with foreign countries such as Japan, Russia, and the UK, signing treaties that would

lead to the Sino-Japanese War. Meanwhile, the May Fourth Movement, a cultural movement for Chinese independence, gained momentum and brought about significant changes in the relationship between China and Europe, not only culturally, but also politically. At the time, China faced numerous challenges such as political instability and armed conflicts, which necessitated active information gathering through Europe. As a result, many newspapers were founded in China, and reporting evolved. However, the evolution was largely influenced by the reporting style established in Europe. During this era, the relationship between Europe and China continued to evolve, which we will further discuss in the following chapter about trade and investment.

Late 20th Century: Trade and Investment

Since 1978, China has pursued a policy of reform and opening up, promoting trade and investment with foreign companies. Thanks to this policy, China has gradually developed into a global trading nation, playing an important role in the country’s development.

Relations with Taiwan have remained an important issue for Chinese foreign policy. China regards Taiwan as part of its own territory, and political tensions sometimes rise due to the two regions’ political relationship. However, the two countries also cooperate economically and engage in cultural exchanges.

Chinese overseas investment is essential for the country’s economic growth, and Chinese companies have expanded worldwide in recent decades. However, there are concerns about the quality of overseas investment, which are also discussed in the international community.

In other words, China has made significant progress in trade and investment, which are recognized as essential to today’s international community.

21st Century: Competition and Cooperation

China has　invested heavily in many countries around the world, despite being burdened with debt. Meanwhile, those countries have criticized China for not paying enough attention to human rights issues. The trade war between the US and China, that is, their economic competition, began in this situation.

The relationship between the two countries ultimately has to move towards cooperation. Cooperation in areas such as energy resources, especially environmental issues, for example by conducting joint research and project development. However, unfortunately, other issues continue to linger. Currency devaluation, intellectual property theft, human rights issues, and so on. Overall, the US-China relationship has become competitive, and both are taking measures targeting alternative markets.

To solve such problems, a better relationship of trust is necessary.

Conclusion

Looking back at the history of relations between China and Europe since modern times, exchanges began in the 19th century and cultural and diplomatic exchanges progressed in the first half of the 20th century. In the latter half of the 20th century, the policy of reform and opening up started and a wide range of relations, including trade, investment, and efforts to address environmental issues, were built. In the current 21st century, various challenges such as economic competition and

environmental issues are being faced. It is very important to consider the outlook for the future based on these historical events. There are perspectives of competition and cooperation towards these challenges. In particular, relations between major global powers such as China and the United States are important. However, the relationships between these countries are not simple. There are a variety of challenges including environmental and human rights issues. Relations between China and Europe will continue to deepen and change from now on. However, it can be said that it is necessary to learn from the past and deal with it appropriately. By fully understanding history, we will be able to properly judge modern relationships and take appropriate measures.