3. The Unequal Treaties
Following China’s defeats in the Opium Wars, Western powers imposed a series of “unequal treaties” that severely compromised China’s sovereignty. The Treaty of Nanjing (1842) compelled China to cede Hong Kong to Britain and open five ports to foreign trade. Subsequent agreements, such as the Treaty of the Bogue (1843) and the Treaty of Wanghia (1844), granted extraterritorial rights to foreign nationals and imposed unfavorable trade terms. These humiliations are frequently referenced in political discourse, emphasizing the need to avoid future subjugation. For a deeper analysis, see the Encyclopedia Britannica article on Unequal Treaties (britannica.com).
