LETTER TO KING GEORGE III (edited version)
1793
Emperor Qian-long
In the 15th century, the Chinese government withdrew from contact with the rest of the world. Eventually, China resumed limited trading with other countries. By the late 18th century it still traded with the West through one port in southeastern
China. In 1793, Lord Macartney, an English nobleman, managed to gain an audience with the Chinese emperor Qian-long. Macartney brought a request from King George III for increased trade between Britain and China. Qian-long refused and gave his reasons in the following letter to the king.
Recognizing Bias
What is Emperor Qian-long’s view of the West? What clues in the letter reveal his attitude?
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Dear King George III, I know that you live very far from China. I also know that you would like to benefit from Chinese civilization, and that is why your representatives have delivered letters to my government. I have read your letters and appreciate how respectful they are.
I realize that your representatives have traveled a long way to deliver your letters and gifts. Please know that I have treated them well. I met with them and invited them to a party with food and entertainment.
You request that your representatives be allowed to stay in China and control your country’s trade with us. My answer is NO! Even if you claim to admire Chinese culture and technology, our ways of life are so different from yours in England that you could never understand them.
My only goal as Emperor of China is to rule my country. I am not interested in acquiring goods from England or anywhere else in Europe. The only reason I accepted the gifts from your representatives is that I did not want to offend you. I was only being polite!
China’s greatness is known throughout the world. Kings from around the world send gifts to be our friend and trade with us. But as your representative can see for himself, we possess all things. China does not need anything, and we do not wish to trade with you!