Peace In China

Peace In China

Treaty Signed, British Take Hong Kong

The signing of the Treaty of Nanjing

AUGUST 30, 1842 NANJING- It was a majestic scene yesterday on the HMS Cornwallis, as Sir Henry Pottinger of Britain and many other Chinese officials signed the Treaty of Nanjing, officially ending the war between Britain and China.  Commonly referred to as the Opium War, the Anglo-Chinese War began in November of 1839 after disputes over trade policy between China and Great Britain reached a climax.  The terms of the treaty are highlighted by the ceding of Hong Kong to Britain, the allowance of British trade at five major ports throughout China, a substantial sum of money to be given to the British, as well as the agreement that British citizens will be governed by their home countries laws while on Chinese land.  Many believe that this agreement is unfair due to the fact that the treaty was signed and proposed after a war, and China was forced to sign the deal.  A Chinese negotiator of the deal, Elepoo had this to say regarding the treaty, “Unfortunately the Treaty of Nanjing somewhat hinders our ability to trade with our European counterparts.  Most involved with the decision believed that the treaty was unfair and gave the British a major advantage over The Homeland in trade.  Keying [a secondary negotiator] and myself would never have agreed to the deal if our country had been in any other circumstances.  We shared the feeling that there was no other option available that would benefit the future of China.  In a word, we felt our hands were tied, and the only option was amputation: however painful it may be, the other choices are equally grim.”  As for the opinion of the British, Sir Henry Pottinger made this statement, “The British are pleased with the outcome of the treaty, as we are now blessed with the freedom of trade that we deserve.”  The Daoguang Emperor and Queen Victoria will personally review and accept the treaty during the coming months, and both the Chinese and the British have agreed to negotiate the specifics of the treaty at a later date.