Exchange Database

Treaties of Tianjin (Tientsin) Signed

Under the threat of an attack on Beijing from British and French forces, the Qing court agreed to sign new treaties with several foreign powers, including the United States.
Outcomes: 
These new treaties opened more treaty ports to foreign trade and settlement, granted additional trading privileges to foreign merchants, legalized the opium trade, gave missionaries the right to proselytize throughout inland China, and allowed the establishment of permanent diplomatic legations in Beijing.
Contact Info: 
U.S. Department of State
Government?: 
Yes
Type of Exchange: 
business
diplomatic
Partners: 
Qing court
United States Government
Participants (Types): 
Qing court members, American diplomats
Exchange Date: 
Friday, January 1, 1858
Continuing: 
No
Level of Government: 
national
Location: 
Tianjin, China
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Commission Report

Polls show Americans and Chinese are becoming less trustful of each other’s country. The Commission assesses the problem and offers recommendations to foster greater U.S.-China collaboration and understanding.

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