Vietnam-China trade relations during the Minh Menh reign (1820-1840)

Abstract

During the Minh Menh reign, the Nguyễn dynasty continued to strengthen trade relations with China and considered this a core component of its foreign trade policy. This study addresses Sino-Vietnamese trade relations through several aspects: the Nguyễn court’s policies toward Qing merchants; the commercial activities of Chinese merchants in Vietnam; and trading interactions during the Minh Menh reign. On this basis, this paper highlights both the contributions and limitations of such trade within Vietnam’s foreign economic landscape during the Minh Menh era.