1. Cultural Superiority: The Qing dynasty, under Qianlong, held a strong belief in the superiority of Chinese culture and civilization. They viewed themselves as the "Middle Kingdom," the center of the world, and considered other cultures, including British culture, as inferior. This belief was deeply ingrained in the imperial ideology and was a source of pride for the dynasty.
2. Fear of Foreign Influence: Qianlong was wary of the potential for British influence to undermine Chinese traditions and social structures. He saw the growing presence of British traders and diplomats as a threat to China's sovereignty and cultural integrity. This fear was exacerbated by the Opium Wars, which highlighted the potential for Western powers to exploit China's weaknesses.
3. Trade and Diplomacy: While Qianlong allowed some trade with Britain, he was adamant about maintaining strict control over its scope and nature. He viewed trade as a means to extract tribute and gifts, not as a conduit for cultural exchange. He also believed that British diplomats were attempting to gain influence through diplomatic maneuvers, which he saw as a form of cultural encroachment.
4. Confucianism and Social Hierarchy: The Confucian principles that underpinned Chinese society emphasized hierarchy and order. Qianlong believed that mixing cultures would disrupt this social order and lead to chaos. He saw British customs and values as incompatible with the Confucian worldview and feared that they would corrupt Chinese society.
5. Nationalism and Imperialism: The Qing dynasty was undergoing a period of nationalistic resurgence, seeking to reassert its dominance and defend its territorial integrity. This nationalistic sentiment was fueled by the expansionist ambitions of European powers, including Britain. Qianlong's resistance to cultural mixing was a way of asserting Chinese identity and resisting foreign influence.
6. Religious Differences: Though not explicitly stated, the Qing dynasty was Buddhist and Taoist in faith and likely had reservations about the Christian religion which the British practiced.
While Qianlong did not explicitly express his reservations in a written document, these underlying beliefs and motivations can be gleaned from his interactions with British envoys, his imperial edicts, and the historical context of the Qing dynasty.
It's important to note that these reservations were not absolute. Qianlong did acknowledge the potential benefits of some aspects of Western technology and learning. However, his overall stance was one of cautious skepticism and a firm commitment to preserving Chinese cultural identity.