This book first examines the traditional Chinese diplomatic model "tribute system" and its application in Guangzhou, and then discusses the Opium War and the application process of the first batch of unequal treaties. Between 1845 and 1851, the new treaty system encountered setbacks, as the Qing tried to limit the privileges recognized in the treaties and foreigners tried to obtain additional benefits for them. From 1850 to 1854, the situation in Shanghai was extremely chaotic. The treaty system began to recover with the final establishment of the Department of Foreign Customs and Revenue.
本书首先考察了传统中国的外交模式“朝贡体系”及其在广州的应用，接下来讨论了鸦片战争以及第一批不平等条约的适用过程。1845年至1851年间，新的条约体系遭遇挫折，清朝方面竭力限制条约中承认的特权，而外国人也在尽力为他们获得额外的好处。1850年至1854年间，上海的状况极为混乱。随着外国海关税务司的最终确立，条约体系开始复苏。
本书首先考察了传统中国的外交模式“朝贡体系”及其在广州的应用，接下来讨论了鸦片战争以及第一批不平等条约的适用过程。1845年至1851年间，新的条约体系遭遇挫折，清朝方面竭力限制条约中承认的特权，而外国人也在尽力为他们获得额外的好处。1850年至1854年间，上海的状况极为混乱。随着外国海关税务司的最终确立，条约体系开始复苏。
