Here are some possibilities:
* Generally, the Chinese were very cautious and selective about who they traded with and interacted with. They often saw themselves as the "Middle Kingdom," the center of the world, and viewed foreigners with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
* During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), China was very open to foreign trade and cultural exchange. They welcomed merchants and diplomats from across Asia and even as far away as Persia and the Byzantine Empire.
* During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), China became more isolationist. They restricted foreign trade and contact, and their interactions with foreigners were mostly limited to tribute missions.
* From the 19th century onwards, China was forced to open up to the West through unequal treaties. This led to a period of great upheaval and change, as China struggled to adapt to Western influence and power.
Therefore, it's impossible to give a single answer to your question.
Instead of focusing on a single response, consider these factors:
* The specific time period: Different eras had vastly different approaches to foreign interaction.
* The identity of the foreigners: The Chinese might have reacted differently to traders, diplomats, missionaries, or military forces.
* The specific context: The location of the contact, the purpose of the interaction, and the political situation all played a role in how the Chinese reacted.
By considering these factors, you can get a more nuanced and accurate understanding of how the Chinese interacted with foreigners throughout history.