Answer:
China's trade with Europeans was limited between the 15th and 18th centuries for several reasons, including political and economic factors.
One reason was China's self-sufficiency in many areas, which made it less dependent on foreign trade. China had a large population and a rich agricultural base, and it produced many goods that were in high demand, such as silk, porcelain, and tea. As a result, China did not have a strong need for European goods.
Another reason was the Chinese government's policy of restricting foreign trade, particularly with the West. During this period, China was ruled by the Ming and Qing dynasties, which were focused on maintaining stability and control within the country. The Chinese government saw foreign trade as a potential threat to its power and autonomy, and it sought to limit contact with foreigners.
Additionally, European traders faced significant barriers to entry when trying to trade with China. The Chinese government required foreign traders to pay tribute and perform kowtows to the emperor, which European traders found humiliating. Furthermore, the Chinese government restricted foreign traders to a small area in Canton and strictly controlled their activities, making it difficult for them to establish a strong presence in the country.
Overall, these factors limited China's trade with Europeans during the 15th-18th centuries, although there were some exceptions, such as the Portuguese trade with Macao and the Dutch trade with Taiwan. It was not until the 19th century, when European powers became more aggressive in their attempts to trade with China, that China's isolationist policies began to break down.
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