Foreign Relations of Qing China

The foreign relations of Qing China (1644-1912) were marked by a mix of isolation and engagement. Initially, China was confident in its cultural superiority and maintained strict controls over trade and foreign interactions, leading to limited contact with European powers. However, as Western influence grew, particularly during the 19th century, China faced military defeats in conflicts like the Opium Wars. This resulted in unequal treaties, ceding territory and opening ports to foreign trade. The Qing dynasty struggled to modernize in response to these pressures, ultimately contributing to its decline and the eventual fall of imperial rule.