"In most of the time of its history of over 5,000 years, China was prosperous and influential in the Far East. The international order that it shaped in this region is unique in post- Westphalian terms, but not necessarily inferior. Despite the fact that it claimed to be the "Middle Kingdom" and maintained suzerain-vassal relations with neighboring countries, it was seldom aggressive in its interactions with the outside world, and the peace and order sustained under its predominance was beneficial in the region. This changed due to the late Qing Government's isolation policy of the 18th century, which by way of reaction brought it under the sway of European powers"-- Provided by publisher.
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