Exchange Database
The First Chinese Mission Abroad
In 1867 the Qing decided to send China’s first diplomatic mission to the Western nations in order to renegotiate its treaties, and asked U.S. envoy Anson Burlingame to head the mission. With permission from the U.S. Government, Burlingame resigned his post and led two Qing officials to the United States and Europe.
Outcomes:
Burlingame negotiated and signed a new treaty with U.S. Secretary of State William Seward that allowed for mostly unrestricted Chinese migration to the United States, among other stipulations. However, the agreements Burlingame reached were never fully implemented. He died in Russia before the mission ended, leaving the Qing officials to complete it on their own.
Government?:
Yes
Type of Exchange:
diplomatic
Partners:
United States Government
Chinese government
Sponsor(s):
Chinese Governments
Participants (Types):
American and Chinese diplomats
Exchange Date:
Monday, January 28, 1867
Continuing:
No
Level of Government:
national
Location:
China, United States
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