Question

Over the full course of its history, Imperial China's relationship with the outside world has:

a) been steadily open and friendly.
b) been steadily closed and suspicious.
c) swung between open and closed door policy.
d) usually been neutral.

Answer 1

Imperial China's relationship with the outside world swung between open and closed door policies throughout its history, with periods of open and friendly interactions and periods of isolation and suspicion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between Imperial China and the outside world has swung between open and closed door policies throughout its history. At times, China has been open and friendly, as seen during the voyages of Zheng He in the early 15th century.

However, periods of isolation and suspicion also occurred, such as when the Confucians at court banned foreign travel and destroyed ocean-going ships. The policy on foreign trade often fluctuated in response to power struggles, but China increasingly closed itself off. It's important to note that different regions had different relationships with China, with closer countries being more frequent visitors to the imperial court.