what steps had the Manchu dynasty taken in relation to foreign merchants?

Answer 1

During the Manchu dynasty (also known as the Qing dynasty), foreign merchants were mostly restricted to the port of Canton (now Guangzhou) and were governed by strict regulations. The Manchu government required foreign merchants to obtain a license to trade and to be escorted by a Chinese merchant during their stay in China. They were also subject to stringent customs regulations, including prohibitions on the import and export of certain goods.

In 1757, the Qianlong Emperor issued the Canton System, which formalized these restrictions and led to the establishment of the Cohong, a group of Chinese merchants who acted as intermediaries between foreign merchants and the government. The Cohong exercised significant control over foreign trade in Canton and were responsible for collecting taxes, regulating the flow of goods, and negotiating with foreign merchants.

The Manchu dynasty also engaged in diplomatic relations with foreign powers, including the signing of treaties with Western countries in the 19th century. These treaties granted foreign merchants greater access to Chinese ports and reduced some of the restrictions on foreign trade. However, the Manchu government continued to view Western trade as a potential threat to their sovereignty and took measures to limit foreign influence in China.