British Policy and the Stability of the Chinese Government: The Yang-tsze Question during the Boxer Uprising, 1900

「東南互保」是指1900年義和團事件期間由中國東南地區督撫聯合發起的中立立場，但其得以成立之原因實在於此立場與列強意向協同。「東南互保」以長江地區最為重要，而此地是英國勢力範圍所在，故英國當時對華政策取向乃成為關鍵且影響中國政情。本文主題是討論英國政府對「東南互保」的態度，其重點在於考察英國整體對華政策在義和團事件時期如何展現於「東南互保」一事或長江地區，本文章除導論與結論外，共可分為四部分，首論英國在義和團事件期間對中國或清朝政權的基本態度；其次申論英國政府對「東南互保」的認知與實際交涉過程；第三討論英軍進駐上海事件之內涵，以及英國本國政府與駐華領事的認知差異；最後則呈現英國政府公開政策中對兩江、湖廣總督的肯定態度，並探討其中原因。This article aims to expound the attitude and policy of the British Government towards the Yang-tsze region during the Boxer Uprising, 1900. 'The neutralization of the Yang-tsze' or the 'mutual protection of Southeast China' was the transitory measure taken by the provincial officials during the crisis of 1900, which urgently needed the recognition and support from the Powers. The Yang-tsze Valley being the richest area of China, was the sphere of interest of Great Britain; therefore, the policy of the British government played a key role in the event. Owning to the fierce competition of other powers in the late 19th century, Great Britain took a relatively conservative stance during the Boxer Uprising, aiming at preserving the status quo and the Open Door Policy. As a result, the neutrality of Southeast China is favourable to her position in China. This paper is divided into six sections: 1. Introduction: the character of 'the mutual protection of southeast China'; 2. The attitude of the British government towards the Chinese or the Qing regime in the Boxer Uprising; 3. Britain's Policy towards the proposal of a peace contract suggested by the Chinese local officials; 4. Britain's 'reluctant' occupation of Shanghai; 5. The recognition and support for the Yang-tsze Viceroys by the British government; 6. Conclusion