This book, first published in 1928, examines the first diplomatic contacts between China and the West. China had not always been isolated from the Western world, as travellers had visited China in the Middle Ages, but it was not until the end of the eighteenth century that efforts were first made to establish regular relations with China. This book traces the development of diplomatic relations from the Treaty of Nanking in 1842 to the start of the twentieth century.

1. Early Treaties with Foreign Powers 2. Commercial Privileges of the Foreigner 3. The Sino-Japanese War 4. The Peace Negotiations 5. The Intervention of the East Asiatic Dreibund 6. The First Indemnity Loan: A Cleft in the Dreibund 7. The Russo-French Programme 8. Russo-French Cooperation in Korea and China 9. The German Acquisition of Kiaochau 10. The Third Indemnity Loan: Negotiations for an Anglo-Russian Understanding 11. The Russian Acquisition of Port Arthur 12. British Policy After Port Arthur 13. Britain's Further Alliance Overtures 14. Britain's Efforts for Recognition of its Sphere 15. The Modified 'Open-Door' Policy 16. Mr Chamberlain's Bid for American Support 17. The Anglo-Russian Railway Sphere Arrangement 18. Triumph of the Modified 'Open-Door' Policy 19. Retrospect