Robert Hart and Sino-Foreign Disputes in Qing China, 1863-1908

This book investigates the role of Sir Robert Hart in China's early engagement with Western international law, covering the period from Hart's earliest days as Inspector General of the foreign-dominated Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs (CIMC) to his final years in China (1863-1908). Drawing on Hart's personal records, particularly his diaries and correspondence with CIMC officials and various political figures, as well as Customs Service official publications, records of the British Foreign Office, Chinese official papers, newspapers, and other contemporary publications, the book focuses on Sino-foreign jurisdictional disputes in which Hart was involved. They are used as case studies to examine his role and more broadly, that of the CIMC in influencing contemporary perceptions in the West about China's status vis-à-vis Western nation-states.

Going beyond portraying Hart as a mere broker, the book delves into his complex and multi-faceted character. It examines his idiosyncratic approach to Qing engagement with the West, particularly focusing on his proposals for dealing with international institutions. While these proposals had the potential to strengthen China, they sought to do so largely on Western terms, ultimately undermining China's ability to function as an independent state. By analysing Hart's character and his engagement with Western international law, the author aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding Qing China's interaction with the West. It highlights the ambivalence exhibited by both Qing and Western officials, emphasising the challenges and opportunities in negotiations based on Western legal principles. Contributing to discussion on whether international structures could be utilised to bolster Qing sovereignty, this book will provide insights for those researching Chinese history, diplomatic history and international relations, and international law.

Provides a detailed analysis of Sino-foreign jurisdictional disputes during a transformative period in China's history Presents six case studies exploring debates among British officials on the applicability of Western law to Qing disputes Draws from previously untapped material, including Hart's diaries, records of the British Foreign Office, and newspapers

Autorentext

Yorgos Moraitis is a historian currently based in Greece. Previously, he studied and taught history at Queen's University Belfast, in the UK.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Von Gumpach vs. Hart: A Question of Privilege, 1867-1873.- Chapter 2: No man can serve two masters: Customs Commissioners and Sino-American Jurisdictional Politics in Tianjin, 1875.- Chapter 3: The Cadiz Affair, Zhenjiang: Jurisdictional Politics, International Law, and Foreign Influence in Late Qing China, 1874-1878.- Chapter 4: Territorialising the Qing state: Hart's role in the Taiwan crisis,1874-1875.- Chapter 5: The Informal Connection: Hart and the Annexation of Burma,1884-1886.- Chapter 6: Hart, Jurisdictional Conflict, and the Institutions of the Boxer Protocol, 1900-1905.- Chapter 7. Conclusion.