How did the Chinese regard European who arrived to trade with them?

The arrival of European traders on the shores of China during the 16th and 17th centuries had a profound impact on the Chinese perspective and perception of these foreign visitors. The Chinese referred to the European as "foreigners" or "barbarians" who often came from "far away lands" to engage in trade. Although the Chinese had a deep respect for their own cultural superiority and technological advancements, they also acknowledged and admired certain aspects of European culture, technology, and knowledge.

European Arrival:

Initially, the Chinese were fascinated and intrigued by the exotic appearance, unique customs, and unfamiliar products that the Portuguese and later other European brought to China. The Portuguese arrived in the port of Macau in 1557 and established a trading base there. The Europeans sought lucrative trade opportunities and a desire for spices, silks, porcelain, and other luxury items from China.

Economic Exchange:

The Chinese regarded the European as capable merchants and traders, but also viewed their arrival as a potential threat to their economic interests and cultural integrity. The Chinese government implemented strict regulations controlling trade and interactions with foreigners, such as the Canton System. This system confined foreign merchants to specific areas and subjected them to Chinese laws and regulations.

Technological Advancements:

The Chinese acknowledged that the European brought with them impressive technological advancements, such as firearms, clocks, and navigation instruments. They were particularly interested in European astronomical and mathematical knowledge, which contributed to the field of science in China. The famous Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci, who arrived in China in 1582 introduced Western science and technology, which fascinated the imperial court and scholars.

Cultural Exchange:

While the Chinese admired certain European scientific achievements, they maintained a strong sense of cultural pride and believed their civilization was superior. They held the view that they had little to learn from the "barbarians" and continued to view European culture as inferior to their rich history and traditions. The Chinese also imposed restrictions on the spread of Christianity, which they saw as a potential threat to their religious and social order.

Influence of Imperial Power:

The imperial court in Beijing and the regional governments played a significant role in shaping the Chinese perception of Europeans. During some periods, the imperial government was more open to trade and cultural exchange while at other times it adopted a more isolationist stance. The ebb and flow of imperial policies influenced the level of interaction and cooperation between the Chinese and the European during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

In summary, the Chinese regarded the European who arrived to trade with them with a mixture of fascination, admiration, and cautiousness. While they appreciated certain aspects of European technology and knowledge, they remained proud of their own cultural superiority and exercised control over trade and cultural interactions with foreign merchants. The Chinese perceptions and attitudes towards the Europeans evolved over time and were influenced by a combination of economic, technological, cultural, and political considerations.