The history of Chinese diplomatic missions in Japan, 1877-1911

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to present a detailed history of the Chinese diplomatic mission to Japan between the years 1877-1911. The first four chapters trace the development of Chinese knowledge and attitudes towards Japan, the establishment of treaty relations and the organization of the Chinese foreign missions. This is followed by three chapters devoted to the specific operation of the mission in Japan. This study presents a survey of the work, of the Chinese mission to Japan and the contribution of the head of mission between 1877 and 1911, with special attention to the minister's views of and attitudes towards Japan, the nature of the mission's functions, and the importance of the information and advice they supplied in the formation of the home government's policy towards Japan. From the very beginning the Chinese government considered the establishment of a mission in Japan to be a matter of importance. Its special purpose was to observe Japan as a possible force in Asia. Though the Chinese diplomats did manage to transmit a great deal of information about the Japanese scene as a whole, common cultural backgrounds and written language were far less helpful than expected. Because individual ministers were considerably influenced by personal pre-conceptions regarding Japan, Chinese missions were often mistaken in their analysis and conclusions. Nevertheless the information they provided was of undoubted importance in the formulation of Chinese foreign policy, particularly in keeping Li Hung-chang informed of the situation in Japan. The mission developed and improved their methods of gathering information over the period of study, and underwent certain changes in function and organization which are examined in detail. The Japanese victory in 1895 brought about the decline in importance of the diplomatic function of the Chinese mission in Japan. Most substantial negotiations were now carried out in Peking and the political role of the Chinese mission in Japan become routine and relatively unimportant. Instead the missions became more and more concerned with Chinese students, reformists and revolutionaries in Japan and with attempting to suppress revolutionary trends.