‘China lost more than it gained by its contact with
foreign powers in the period 1839-1989’ How far do
you agree? (Sample)
China had various relations and contact with foreign powers during the period 1839-
1989, like that of the USA’s open door policy which did good for the relations with China
and the many times that China was exploited by these foreign powers, especially Japan
and Russia, which then led to China losing more than it gained by its contact with foreign
powers in the period 1839-1989.
China was appealed to by the korean King to aid them in suppressing conflict, this is from
Korea being seen as a Chinese tributary state, however Japan got there before and
forced Korea into replacing its Government with a pro-Japanese Government, this holds
similarities with the Nationalist period with Manchuria, as when Manchuria declared
independent region called Manchugo with Pu Yi being placed as the puppet emperor of
the region being similar to the placement of the pro-Japanese Government. Another
similarity to the Manchurian Crisis, if from the rule of the Nationalists, who appealed to
the west during the First Opium War, however received little help, and it was believed by
the USA that Japan was entitled to the land due to their proximity.
Any cooperation with the Japanese relied on it remaining the dominant partner, which
was done by the creation of ‘Autonomous councils’ in occupied regions of China which
were fronts for Japanese control, which is similar to the replacement of the Korean
monarchy during the Imperial period.
The offer that was made to the Manchu’s joint control of Korea during the Imperial period
is similar to the counterattack the China carried out on Shanghai, this then led to Sino-
Japanese administration of Shanghai being dominated by Japan. Though during the rule of
Deng, the PRC’s commercial openness allowed for better relations to occur between
Japan and China, which is dissimilar to the periods prior due to the relations between the
two being hostile.
Following China’s defeat 8 months into the First Sino-Japanese War, they sued for peace,
but were forced to accept the Treaty of Shimonoseki, leading to the humiliation of China,
this is similar to the 21 Demands and the unequal treaties that Yuan Shikai was made to
sign, another similarity held by the unequal treaties is with the Warlords and the Sino-
Japanese Joint Defence Agreement, this resulted in the cementation of Japanese
superiority, as well there was hope to cancel the 21 Demands and release Shandong from
the occupation of the Japanese at Versailles, but this failed, leading to a break out of
anger and protests towards this failure.
Overall, China’s relations with Japan was one of exploitation throughout the periods,
with it finally becoming non-hostile under the rule of Deng Xiaoping. Along with the
hostilities between the two throughout included the Sino-Japanese war and the forced
