TNAG-1171-FCO40-1452-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 19

But coincided with weakening China's

pol/mil/economic circumstances

and growing competition between Western powers (including Russia, Japan and later US) for trade openings.

At first Emperor's strongly resisted western

overtures.[(e.g. rejection of missions of

Lord Macartney (1793) and Ld Amherst (1816).

But increased pressure, backed by mil force

obliged Chinese to accept reluctantly trade

with West and establishment of foreign

concessions and semi-colonies with foreign

jurisdiction

E.g. Shanghai, Dairen, Harbin, Yangtse

River settlements. European privileged

enclaves.

Built up a sense of encirclement

and Chinese idea of 'unequal treaties'.

NB fear of Russia from W land route

as well as Western countries from S and E

by sea.

Σ

Gradually natural Chinese xenophobia

spread. Resistance to foreign encroachment

became part of anti-imperial, KMT and

later communist revolutionary movements.

/Recovery