A question that always resonates in the minds of people, when they hear about the Treaty of Nanjing is, ‘What did China agree to do once the Treaty of Nanjing’. In the wake of the Treaty of Nanjing, China warmly welcomed on a transformative journey, marked by agreements and commitments that shaped its interaction with the world. In today’s article, we understand, what exactly China agreed to do following the signing of this pivotal treaty.
- Payment of The Payback Strategy: One of the significant agreements made by China was the payment of a reimbursement to the British. This financial compensation represented a change in power dynamics and set up for future interactions between China and Western powers.
- Cession of Hong Kong: Perhaps one of the most consequential results of the Treaty of Nanjing was China’s cession of the domain of Hong Kong to the British. This choice altered the geopolitical landscape as well as laid the foundation for Hong Kong’s improvement into a global economic hub.
- Establishment of a “Fair and Reasonable” Tariff: Another crucial responsibility China made was to establish a “fair and reasonable” tariff. This promise aimed to encourage trade relations between China and Britain based on additional equitable conditions, mirroring a longing for mutual advantage and cooperation.
- Expansion of Trading Rights: Before the treaty, British merchants were restricted to trading solely at Guangzhou (Canton) under the Canton system. However, with the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing, China agreed to expand trading rights for British merchants. They were now permitted to trade at five designated “treaty ports” and engage in commerce with whomever they pleased, marking a significant departure from previous trade restrictions. This expansion of trading rights not only provided British merchants with new opportunities but also facilitated greater economic exchange between China and the Western world.
China’s willingness to negotiate and execute these agreements demonstrated an acknowledgment of the changing global landscape and a craving to adapt to new realities. Nonetheless, it is essential to acknowledge the complex historical setting encompassing these agreements and their implications for China’s power and national personality.
In spite of the tangible advantages these agreements brought to the British and other Western powers, they also sparked debates and contentions inside China. A few saw them as encroachments on China’s sway and a humiliating capitulation to unfamiliar powers. Treaty Oak Revival
Conclusion
Eventually, the Treaty of Nanjing introduced another era of interactions between China and the Western world, characterized by agreements and responsibilities that reshaped the geopolitical and financial landscape. From the payment of reimbursement to the cession of Hong Kong and the expansion of trading freedoms, China’s post-treaty actions mirrored an eagerness to engage with the global local area while navigating the intricacies of national sway and character.
