Question

What did it mean when the Dutch "kowtowed" to the Chinese emperor or his representatives?

A- it meant that the Dutch relinquished all their rights in the forbidden city

B- it meant that the Dutch recognized the superiority of the Chinese emperor

C- it meant that Dutch missionaries could no longer visit china

D- it meant that Dutch had full trading rights quail to those of china

Answer 1

A "kowtow" is an act of deep respect in Chinese imperial culture. It consists of kneeling down so low that one's head actually touches the ground. The first accounts of this custom date back to the Qin Dynasty from 221 BC - to 206 BC.

It is recorded that Dutch Ambassador Isaac Titsingh "kowtowed" to the Qianlong Emperor during his mission in 1794. His diplomatic team made all of the efforts to conform with the complex Chinese etiquette.

Answer 2

The correct answer is B) It meant that the Dutch recognized the superiority of the Chinese emperor.

What the Dutch meant by “kowtowed” to the Chinese emperor or his representatives was that the Dutch recognized the superiority of the Chinese emperor.

The Dutch expressed its respect for the Chinese Emperor with a Cantonese gesture called "kowtowed." This was a prostration of reverence where people bend their body, kneel down and barely touch the floor with their head. This gesture is one of the most important signs of respect for authorities or the elders in China. So yes, what the Dutch meant by “kowtowed” to the Chinese emperor or his representatives was that the Dutch recognized the superiority of the Chinese emperor.