Public Lecture - Angela Schottenhammer, "Sino-Japanese relations in the 17th and 18th Centuries: Some New Perspectives"

Professor Schottenhammer's talk will address how the reversal of the master-vassal relationship within China, as well as increased Japanese control of trade and the shifting power relationships between the two nations has re-shaped both conflict and diplomacy within the East Asian political order. She will also discuss new evidence which points to the use of "secret agents" sent by two Manchu emperors, the Kangxi 康熙 (r. 1662–1722) and the Yongzheng Emperor, to investigate increased Japanese control over trade in silver and copper. Professor Schottenhammer will then consider what, if any, effects these "secret missions" may have had on diplomatic relations and policies between the two powers.