Final answer:
Qing China pursued a policy of cultural integration and controlled trade with its Central Asian possessions. They incorporated aspects of Tibetan and Mongolian culture into their administration and limited foreign trade via the Canton system to manage European influence, while still engaging in international trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
A feature of Qing China's policy toward its possessions in Central Asia involved a combination of military strategy and cultural integration to achieve stability and control. An example of this policy is the way in which the Qing dynasty managed their relationship with Tibetans and Mongols, by adopting aspects of their culture into the Chinese state. This included promoting Tibetan-style Buddhism, which provided a common cultural reference point, and the construction of Tibetan temples and structures to reflect these influences, such as an exact replica of the Potala Palace at the Qing summer retreat. They hoped by these means, the steppe peoples would reconcile with the Chinese system and see their interests aligned with the Qing dynasty.
The Qing rulers balanced these cultural strategies with limited engagement in foreign trade while trying to protect their borders and interests. Notable is the Treaty of Kyakhta with Russia, and the Canton system, which opened new markets and controlled trade strictly, aiming to limit European impact on Chinese society and maintain trade profits. The Qing restricted foreign traders to Canton and imposed strict regulations to ensure Chinese laws and economic preferences were adhered to, reflecting a degree of insulation from European influences whilst also engaging in international commerce.