清政府为阻止租界的开辟及拓展所作的斗争述评

Comment on the Struggle of Qing Government Against the Establishment and Extension of Concession

租界是近代中国半殖民地化的一个重要标志。它的形成 ,清政府固然不得辞其咎 ,但在其产生及拓展的过程中 ,清政府也进行了有效的斗争 :不准外人“自行择地” ,限制外人在中国建立租界的特权 ;限制外人居留区域的范围 ;抵制外人增辟租界。清政府的这些斗争 ,保护了人民生命、财产的安全 ,维护了人民利益 ;避免了将重要的战略要地割给外人 ,在一定程度上遏制了租界的扩张 ,捍卫了国家的领土主权 ;同时 ,也维护了国家的行政、立法、司法等主权。

Concession was an important sign of the half colonization of modern China. Although Qing Government couldn't deny its responsibilities for the establishment of concession still it made efficient struggles against it. For instance, foreigners were not allowed to choose areas where they were to live and trade. Their privilege to set up concessions was restricted and their residential areas limited. It also boycotted the establishment of new concessions. These struggles protected the Chinese people's safety and property, safeguarded their interests and avoided ceding important strategic areas to foreigners, which stopped the expansion of concessions to a certain extent and defended the national territorial sovereignty. They also safeguarded the state sovereignty of administration, legislation and judicature of China.