Western Interaction with Asia Analysis

Which Asian country had the best (or worst if you prefer) historical relationship with “the West?”


Throughout history China and western nations have been at odds with one another. A number of historical clashes have resulted in China having the worst relation of all Asian nations with the West. The long-standing Chinese policy of isolationism has been in direct contrast with the European drive to expand their influence. Chinese isolationism began to decline in the 1700's, opening the door to the Europeans. The British merchants began to sell opium to the China citizens. By the 1800's many chinese citizens were opium addicts. The government tried to stop the opium trade, and in 1839 destroyed a British shipment of opium. After this Britain declared war. Britain won easily and forced the signing of treaties in Britain's favor. Another clash with the west occurred in 1989 when a group of students pushed for democratic reforms. They refused the Chinese government's order to go home and then the army opened fire. Thousands were killed in Tiananmen Square. This massacre was strongly condemned by the Western Nations. These are a few of the reasons why China and the West have such a poor relationship.