Question

The 'Cutting of the Chinese Melon' means __________.

• A. Equal rights to trade anywhere in China for western countries
• B. Process of division of China due to western powers
• C. China opened few parts for westerners
• D. Special rights for trade given to America by China

Answer 1

The correct option is B Process of division of China due to western powers

Due to the influence of powerful countries like France, Russia, Britain, Germany and U.S.A, China was in the process of being divided. France marked off some of the region of the south china such as Hainan and the territory boarding on Tonkin as their own sphere of influence. Great Britain claimed on Yangtse valley and secured a pledge that China would not cede it to any other power. Germany earmarked shantung as their sphere of influence while Russia claimed a major interest in the north in Manchuria and Mongolia etc. Japan also claimed priority in Fukien. This policy of establishing 'sphere of influence' was nothing but a thinly veiled attempt at partitioning the Chinese empire. So, "Cutting of Chinese melon” means process of division of China due to western powers.