Robert Hart And His Role In Macao Negotiation Between Chinese And Portugal

As the general customs commissioner of the China Customs during 1863-1908, Robert Hart not only controlled the customs, but also involved in the field of politics, military affairs, economy, cultures and diplomacy of Chinese government at that time. In the negotiation between China and Portugal on Macao issue, his role can not be ignored. This thesis intends to discuss the degree of Hart's involvement in the Sino- Portugal negotiation on Macao in three different stages, analyzes his motivation and effect. Thereby to objectively find out the multiple role of Hart who was a British but worked for Chinese government in the relationship between China and the West, to criticize his position in the Sino- Portugal negotiation on Macao.This can help us to get a comprehensive understanding of Hart and provide a new perspective and thinking for the evaluation of Hart. On the other hand, it's also can enrich the research of Macau history.This thesis includes five parts as follows:Part I: Depending on his good understanding of Chinese and Western cultures, as well as his caution and Sophisticated, Hart wan the trust of the Chinese government during his early year in China. Then he provided relevant recommendations for the Qing government in the negotiation of the Sino- Portugal treaty,1862.For this reason he got an opportunities to involve in the question of Macao issue.Part II: Hart proposed the Mas plan to the Qing government in 1868 which in order to reacquiring Macao by purchase. No one has studied this issue yet, so the discussion of this part will help us to fully understand the role Hart played in Macao issue between Sino- Portugal relations.Part III: To expound Hart's activity in the negotiations on Macao issue,1886. No matter the subjective wishes or the objective situations, Hart was inextricably linked with Macao issue. As Chinese representatives, Hart's participation added much more interest considerations in the dispute over the management on Macau between China and Portugal.Part IV: Hart manipulated Chinese representative Campbell, an British people, to sign the Draft Treaty Of Lisbon with Portuguese. In this process, Hart played four roles: first as Chinese diplomatic representative; second as the Portuguese diplomatic advisor; third was a mediator; fourth was the defenders of British interests. He has made a delicate balance of the four roles.Part V: Hart precipitated the signature of"the Commercial Treaty of Sino-Portugal"in 1887, and proposed the Mas plan many times. In this process, although Hart on behalf of the Chinese interests, he provided suggestions for Portugal. When the Qing government was disagree with him, he changed his role into an"outside observer"timely.Conclusion: Through the elaboration of these facts, as well as the analysis of Hart's position and role, we can understand Hart's motivations in dealing with Macao issue in each stages. Because of the changes of his status and the objective situations, Hart's role and method used in dealing with Macao issue were changing and subtle. As a British people but meanwhile represented the Qing government in deal with foreign affairs, he could not help to have the"double loyalty"characteristics. Through the exposition, this paper will help us have a comprehensive and objective view of Robert Hart in the Macao issue of Sino-Portugal and grasp the truths of history accurately.