What were the diplomatic negotiations between China and Russia during the Opium Wars?

What were the diplomatic negotiations between China and Russia during the Opium Wars?

During the Opium Wars, there were no direct diplomatic negotiations between China and Russia. However, the actions and interests of Russia did play a significant role in the overall dynamics of the conflict.

At the time, Russia was expanding its influence in East Asia and had territorial ambitions in the region. While not directly involved in the Opium Wars, Russia closely observed the events and sought to take advantage of China's weakened state.

In 1858, during the Second Opium War, Russia signed the Treaty of Aigun with China. This treaty established the Amur River as the border between the two countries and granted Russia significant territorial gains in the region. The treaty also allowed for Russian trade and navigation rights in Chinese waters, further expanding their influence.

Additionally, in 1860, Russia signed the Treaty of Tientsin with China, which further solidified their territorial gains. This treaty granted Russia the southern part of the Heilongjiang Province and the eastern part of the Ussuri Province.

While these treaties were not direct diplomatic negotiations between China and Russia during the Opium Wars, they highlight Russia's opportunistic approach in taking advantage of China's weakened state and expanding its own influence in the region.