Tianjin Treaty

#TianjinTreaty

The Treaty of Tientsin (Tianjin) refers to a series of unequal treaties signed in 1858 between the Qing Dynasty of China and Western powers during the Second Opium War (1856–1860).

Summary of the Treaty of Tientsin (天津条约)

Category Details

Location Tianjin (Tientsin), China

Date Signed in June 1858

Context During the Second Opium War (also called the Arrow War), which involved Britain and France fighting China

Parties Qing Empire and the following:

• United Kingdom

• France

• United States (via the Treaty of Tientsin)

• Russia

Key Terms of the Treaty

The treaty greatly expanded foreign privileges in China:

1. More Treaty Ports

China was forced to open 10+ new ports to foreign trade and residence (including Tianjin itself).

2. Diplomatic Legations in Beijing

Foreign powers could now establish embassies in Beijing, which had previously been closed to foreign diplomats.

3. Legalization of Christianity

Missionaries were allowed to freely travel and preach in China.

Christianity was legalized, overturning previous bans.

4. Extraterritoriality Extended

Foreign nationals in China were subject to their own country’s laws, not Chinese law.

5. Indemnities

China agreed to pay huge sums of silver as reparations to Britain and France.

6. Opium Trade (Implicit)

The treaty did not ban opium; it indirectly facilitated its continuation.

The formal legalization came later, but this treaty opened the door.

Additional Treaties

These treaties were not implemented immediately, as the Qing court resisted them.

This led to renewed fighting in 1859–60, including the burning of the Old Summer Palace by Anglo-French forces.

The Convention of Beijing (1860) followed, reaffirming and enforcing the Treaty of Tientsin.

Historical Significance

• These treaties marked a deepening of Western imperialism in China.

• They are considered part of the “Unequal Treaties” (不平等条約), which undermined Chinese sovereignty.

• They contributed to:

• Rising anti-foreign sentiment (e.g. Boxer Rebellion later in 1899)

• Weakened Qing legitimacy

• Long-term resentment toward Western powers and Japan

Comparison Table: Unequal Treaties

Treaty Year Powers Involved Key Ports Opened

Treaty of Nanjing 1842 UK Shanghai, Canton, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Xiamen

Treaty of Tientsin 1858 UK, France, US, Russia Tianjin, Nanjing, Hankou, Zhenjiang, etc.

Convention of Beijing 1860 UK, France Legalized opium trade, ceded Kowloon to UK

#Qing

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