[ARI Working Paper Series No. 15]



The Change of Korea-China Relationship after the Modern Treaty System

by Song, Kue-Jin

(Research Professor, Asiatic Research Institute)

Notes on Contributor

Song, Kue-Jin is an HK research professor and a research manager at the Asiatic Research Institute, Korea University. Professor Song received his Ph.D. in Korean History from Korea University. He has published two books: A Study on Korea Trade under the Rule of Japanese Imperialism and Modern Chinese Foreign Trade and East Asian Economy and several articles including, “The Introduction of the Concept of 'Nation' into the Korean Society and the Adaptation of Its Usage,” “The Production and Export of Korean Paper under the Japanese Imperialism,” “The Application and Modification of the Japanese Custom Act into Chosun under the Rule of Japanese imperialism,” “Transition and Items of the Trade in Chosun after World War I” and “The Logic of the Active for Petition of Suffrage under Japanese Imperialism.”

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Abstract

As the East Asian international order surrounding Korea changed from a tribute system to a modern treaty system, China tried to maintain tributary relations with Korea; Japan planned to invade the continent via Korea; Russia looked into Korea for the sake of advancing to the Pacific; and Britain struggled to contain Russia. Against this background, Korean strategic importance was consequently amplified at the time.

The transition from a tribute system to a modern treaty system was by no means uniform and unilateral, but rather more complex and multilateral. Also, a certain period of transition was inevitable when a prolonged regional order came across a new one. Such aspects are typically evident in the East Asian international order surrounding Korea. Although Korea was incorporated into the modern treaty system after the Treaty of Kanghwa, the East Asian international order surrounding Korea did not change straight into a modern treaty system. Even after the Treaty of Kanghwa, China institutionally maintained the tribute system by signing “the Korea-China Regulations for Maritime and Overland Trade”. There were some groups who attempted to escape from China’s interference but they failed due to China’s intervention. Kojong maintained pro-Chinese dependent policies.