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What Is The Difference Between The Court Edict And Lin's Letter

553 Words3 Pages

Court Edict & Lin's Letter (Documents 2 and 3)

The Chinese views of time have undergone significant changes throughout history, influenced by factors such as cultural, economic, and political developments. This essay aims to analyze two primary sources that reflect these changes in Chinese views of time. The first source is a statement made by Chinese officials during the Ming Dynasty, reflecting their contempt for foreign trade. The second source is a speech by Chinese Commissioner Lin Zexu during the Qing Dynasty, condemning the opium trade.

During the Ming Dynasty, China's perception of time was centered on the belief that China was the center of the world and its culture was superior to that of the foreign barbarians(Europeans in East Asia Module: Lecture Slides "Europeans in East Asia 1600-1700s"- Syncretism and Policy of Accommodation). Chinese officials expressed their disdain for foreign trade by stating that China did not need the "small and insignificant goods of the distant barbarians."(Court Edict) This statement suggests that the Chinese believed they were self-sufficient and did not require anything from foreigners(Europeans in East Asia Module: Lecture Slides "Europeans in East Asia 1600-1700s"- Syncretism and Policy of Accommodation). Furthermore, the …show more content…

The country faced increasing pressure from foreign powers, particularly Britain, to open up its markets and allow free trade. The second source, a speech by Chinese Commissioner Lin Zexu, reflects this change in attitude towards foreign trade. Lin Zexu condemned the opium trade, which was rampant in China, and accused the British of profiting off China’s wealth, claiming “wealth of China is used to profit the barbarians.”(Lin's Letter). He argued that the British had no regard for injuring others in their quest for profit, which was a direct threat to China's sovereignty and economic development(Lin's

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