However, during the early periods of contact between China and Europe, here are some common perceptions:
* Barbarians: The Chinese often viewed foreigners, including Europeans, as "barbarians" - people outside of their sophisticated civilization. This was based on cultural differences in language, customs, and technology.
* Strange and Unfamiliar: European customs, dress, and behavior seemed unusual to the Chinese. They were curious about these foreigners, but also found them perplexing.
* Trade Partners: The Chinese recognized the Europeans' desire for trade and were willing to engage in it. However, they often saw the Europeans as opportunistic and focused solely on profits.
* Military Threats: In some cases, particularly during the Opium Wars, the Chinese saw Europeans as military threats. They were impressed by the Europeans' powerful weapons and military organization.
It's crucial to remember that these perceptions varied greatly depending on the time period, specific context, and the individual Chinese people involved. It's also important to note that these perceptions evolved over time as China and Europe interacted more frequently.
To get a deeper understanding of the complex historical relationship between China and Europe, it's essential to study specific historical periods and the different perspectives of people on both sides.