Abstract:In order to lead the development of industry, Japanese government held the 5th National Industrial Exhibition in Osaka. China was invited to select exhibits and participate in the event. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs was commanded to investigate the situation of local product business in China, so as to to collect business intelligence and strengthen commercial exchanges, and expand its international influence. In response to this invitation, Chinese officials and businessmen were affected by various factors at home and abroad, such as hesitant decision-making, slow response, and improper selection of exhibits. In some areas, the Japanese were even empowered to overstep, which caused political humiliations to China. The poor performance at the exhibition made the visitors deeply aware of the huge gap between Chinese and foreign products, as well as the drawbacks of the official monopoly, the lack of coordination between local governments, and the foreign interference. Afterwards, the Qing government learned from this experience, reformed the participation system of international exhibitions, and enhanced the cooperation between officials and businessmen. Local governments tried to set up their own expositions as well. The series of measures have greatly promoted the modernization process of China’s exhibitions.
邸宏霆. 开拓商业之路:1903年中国参与大阪博览会研究[J]. 华中师范大学学报(人文社会科学版), 2022, 61(4): 118-129.
Di Hongting. Exploring the Business Road: A Study on China’s Participation in Osaka Exhibition in 1903. journal1, 2022, 61(4): 118-129.