The China Question - Softcover

James MacDonald, F.R.G.S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0461407310 ISBN 13: 9780461407310

Publisher: HardPress, 2019

Synopsis

The China Question by James MacDonald is a historically grounded critique written in 1870 that surveys British-Chinese relations in the wake of the 1869 Commercial Convention and the Clarendon Peace Policy. Drawn from the author’s extensive experience in Shanghai and China, the work argues that the proposed convention would not benefit either European or Chinese interests, warning that interior duties would be evaded and that a transit-duty model would simply expand corruption. It analyzes proposed changes to silk and opium tariffs, contending that higher export duties would burden Chinese producers and provoke smuggling, while raising opium taxes would undermine moral authority and provoke broader political consequences. The text also examines the origins and implications of Burlingame’s mission, critiques Alcock’s tenure at Peking, and advocates a measured, conciliatory policy toward China. Interwoven chapters cover the Opium Wars, missionary involvement, and the economics of tea and trade, urging cautious reform and the educational travel of Chinese officials to foster mutual understanding.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0461407310
• ISBN 13: 9780461407310
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96