Qing perspectives of the British: The development of the Chinese Sino-centric ideology and its ramifications for the nineteenth-century conflict between the Qing and British empires

This thesis explores the Chinese perspective of the British during the era of the Qing dynasty. It addresses the development of the Chinese Sino-centric worldview from the beginnings of complex society in China to the end of the Qing dynasty in the early twentieth century. It focuses on the distinctive interpretation of the Sino-centric ideology articulated by Qing leaders and the ramifications this ideology had for the relationship between China and Great Britain in the nineteenth century. Conflicts developed between the Qing empire and the British empire over trading rights, access to ports, and control over Chinese coastal markets. These conflicts led to open warfare in the Opium Wars. This thesis presents the Chinese point of view, which allows for a nuanced way to explore the Sino-Anglo relationship. Misinterpretations and misunderstanding were constant obstacles that hindered open diplomatic dialogue between the Qing and the British over the course of the nineteenth century.