‘Canton trade’ and ‘Hong Kong Trade’

 

Both Canton and Hong Kong developed as important centers of Sino-foreign interaction during the late-18th and 19th centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canton trade had the longest history of overseas commerce in China. In 1715, the Chinese government declared Canton as the only port for foreign trade. Merchants were required to pay fees to enter and leave Canton, and they were levied according to the size of the ship. Started from 1760, the Co-hong system was enforced to impose restrictions on foreign trade and traders.[1] With more and more restrictions being regulated, it became increasingly difficult and inconvenient for foreign traders. Addressing their grievances with Chinese officials was forbidden. To improve the situation, the British Government had sent three missions to China, namely, the Macartney Mission of 1793, the Amherst Mission of 1816, and the Napier Missionof 1834.  However, they were all in vain. Some British therefore regarded that a gunboat diplomacy was necessary to open the gates of China.

 

After the cession of Hong Kong Island to Britain, Hong Kong was renowned as a free port. Over the years after 1842, the position of Hong Kong in China trade had become increasingly important and it began to play the role as an entrepot in Southern China.  Foreign companies, began to establish offices, branches, or even their headquarters to the Colony.  The Hong Kong government also put efforts in developing infrastructures in the city to encourage foreign and Chinese to station in Hong Kong as their foothold for China trade.

 

For Hong Kong, during the period 1842-1896, she has established its solid foundation in becoming one of the most renowned entrepot in the world. Her success of being an entrepot enhance on Hong Kong economic development. More and more infrastructure and financial institutions were built and gradually turned Hong Kong into a modern city.

 

 

[1] Foreign ships were not permitted to communicate with Chinese people or merchants without supervision and foreign traders were not to communicate with Chinese officials except through the Cohong. Women, including traders’ wives, were not allowed in the factories. A maximum of eight Chinese servants were allowed to be employed in any factory, regardless of size. Foreigners were not allowed to row boats on the river, nor were they allowed into the city. They could take recreation on the 8th, 18th and 28th days of the lunar cycle on Honan Island by visiting the Flower Gardens and the Joss-house, but only in groups of ten or fewer. If they entered other public places, their interpreter would be punished. As well, foreigners were not permitted to buy Chinese books or learn the language and the Chinese were also not allowed to own foreign books.