Wk. 3 Primary Source Kangxi, Foreign Correspondence (1693-1717)

Question 1

Kangxi, Foreign Correspondence (1693-1717)

Answer 1

Kangxi, Foreign Correspondence (1693-1717) – the second emperor of the Manchu dynasty. He presided over extensive westward expansion of the empire, which brought closer contact with Russia. At the same time, China experienced increased contact with Europeans and other outsiders through overseas trade.

What was Kangxi’s attitude towards these foreigners?

Foreigners were unwelcome, ignorant, troublemakers, dangerous, and an unwanted influence on religion in the land.

• Regarding the Russians: “The Kingdom of Russia has many able men, but they are narrow-minded, obstinate, and their argument is slow.”
• Saw Russians as troublesome: “We fear that after many generations, Russia might cause trouble”
• Saw Russians as Ignorant: “…both their tribute and their memorial were ordered returned to them.”, “…they were ignorant of Chinese institutions, we should clearly inform them why their memorial was improper.”

How would you describe his attitude towards globalization?

He was skeptical. Ships were being sold and rice was being sold – both for the detriment of Chinese society to the enrichment of the individuals who sold them.

• Felt necessary to build Strength to protect against the increased contact with outsiders: “as long as the Middle Kingdom [China] is at peace and is strong, foreign disturbances will not arise. Therefore, building up our strength is a matter of fundamental importance.”
• Felt necessary to impose restrictions on foreigners (Russians):“When the Russian merchants come to Peking for trade, they should number no more than two hundred and should come only once every three years. … …They are not to receive government provisions. They may remain only eighty days in Peking.”
• Felt necessary to strengthen borders:“…Russians who secretly violated the borders… …punish the Russians and to proclaim to the people of their own country that hereafter they are not allowed to cross the border.”
• Globalization invited corruption. Sailors would sell the ships made by the Chinese government and keep the money for themselves, lying that their ship was wrecked.“Only five or six out of ten returned to their ships to China; the rest just sold their ships abroad, and they brought back only silver.” “…the merchants, seeking profit, sell it secretly. However, when We investigate, they all pretend that their ships were wrecked.”
• Saw other lands as safe-harbors for outlaws.“Beyond the ocean lie Luzon, Batavia, and other places that serve as asylum for the Chinese outlaws. …the headquarters of the Chinese pirates”
• Upset that the rice was being sold for silver when it is needed for food in China. “…rice …was being mostly exported. […] When seafarers go abroad to trade… […] They should bring only sufficient rice for their journey and not more than that amount.”

How did globalization affect Chinese society?

• It introduced Christianity into China, something that was not welcome. “…Westerners have set up churches in various provinces which attract bandits and rascals. […] At present they have established many churches…”
• Want to halt the spread of Catholicism while it is still small. “…prohibit Catholicism early enough to prevent it from developing and spreading everywhere.”
• Didn’t want the influence of Catholocism. “Missionaries are still forbidden to set up churches and preach in the provinces. Our people are still strictly forbidden to follow this religion.”
• Made China more suspicious of outsiders and seemed to drive corruption as some tried to profit through the sale of ships and rice that were not theirs. See the quotes under “How they felt about globalization”