Examined in this article, is how the Joseon dynasty, the Chinese Qing dynasty and Russia viewed and responded to the negotiation process for the Joseon-Russian Agreement on Amity and Overland Commerce[“Overland Agreement” from now on]. The story behind the negotiations and signing of the Agreement can show us what kind of interests were being pursued by Joseon, Qing and Russia, and what kind of differences existed inside the Joseon government as well.
King Gojong wanted to use Russia in order to escape from Qing’s political pressure which had been escalating since the Im’o-year military revolt in 1882. King Gojong signed the Joseon-Russian Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1884, and then intended to establish the above-mentioned ‘Overland Agreement,’ in order to reinforce the country’s relationship with Russia. But the negotiations were delayed, because Qing was concerned of the prospect of the Agreement, and the Joseon officials who led the actual negotiations had some ideas that were different from those of King Gojong.
We can see the difference between Gojong’s view of Russia and how the officials at the diplomatic corps viewed the same country. This kind of difference in their perspectives was reflected in the negotiation process for the Agreement. The diplomatic officials, prior to their negotiation with Russia, discussed the first draft of the Agreement presented by Beber(the “Beber draft”), with Qing’s Yuan Shikai. The discussion itself shows us the level of understanding the diplomatic officials had regarding the modern treaty system. They wanted to finalize the treaty in a way that would be most beneficial to Joseon, by not only using the previous treaties established between Joseon and the Western world as templates, but also using the information regarding other treaties as well which were established between Russia and Qing. It was an improvement from their previous stance, which was to usually accept the Western world’s demands without a fight. But at the same time, they were still in consultation with Yuan Shikai, and were relying upon his advice. So, they were not entirely free from Qing’s influence.
King Gojong wanted to break away from Qing’s interference using Russian intervention. Qing was worried that the Russians’ south-bound influences might further grow, and the officials who led the actual negotiation had their own reservations. We can see that all the clashing interests and agendas were behind the negotiation. Especially, there was a difference in opinion between King Gojong and the officials, signaling a schism in the Joseon government’s overall diplomatic policy. Qing’s intentions to colonize foreign countries were becoming more and more real, and Joseon had to establish modern treaties with the powerful Western states to deal with such situation. The reality of Joseon was forcing its leaders to have different opinions.