About Committee

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The 19th century, an extremely turbulent period in Chinese history, was characterized by multiple revolutions and upheavals that largely contributed to the future of the nation. At the start of the 19th century, China maintained its traditional society and governance, carefully separating itself from foreign influences. Trade was limited almost solely to the port of Canton and the country enjoyed an influx of European silver and gold in exchange for exports of tea and silks. However, as focus worldwide shifted from a militant to a more mercantile mindset, China was put under immense foreign pressure to open up trade. 

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The East India Company sought to aggressively expand its trade and establish Britain as the largest trader in Asia. In the 1830s, an alarming product spread rapidly through Chinese society—opium.The drug was spread into the nation of over 300 million, posing an immediate threat to the economic, political, and societal stability of Qing China. The Chinese imperial court, although plagued with corruption and hosting a number of opium users itself, pushed back against opium imports with harsh restrictions. The tensions between China and Britain ultimately boiled over into an armed conflict in the Spring of 1839, where our crisis begins.

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This committee will host the Qing Grand Council of Emperor Daoguang in 1839, composed of the government’s top ruling officials and envoys, and simulate its efforts in taking on the emerging war between Qing China and Britain. Throughout this crisis, we will explore the intricacies of Chinese society at the time, as well as its relations to foreign powers in an effort to understand whether China’s defeat in this conflict was inevitable or avoidable. An extremely fast-paced committee steered by updates and heated debate, we welcome all delegates to come together and chart the best course to save China's last imperial dynasty.

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Chairperson's Address

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Greetings Delegates! 

 

As chairperson for the Qing Grand Council under the Emperor Daoguang, I welcome you all to this committee! Wish I could have begun with an ancient Chinese greeting, but I might get scammed as to what it says (never get a tattoo in a different language, kids). 

 

The Qing Grand Council was an important policy-making body of China during the Qing Dynasty. It was a forum where various ministers, generals and other officials met to deliberate on China’s administration, law and order, policy and defense. This committee, dated before the outbreak of the lethal Opium War of 1839, has the agenda- Ensuring the expansion of the Qing dynasty under the Daoguang emperor.

 

If you ever need me, try to find a chairperson ranting about how they should have never taken science and I can assure you’ve found me. Although I am an Arctic Monkeys stan by profession, my ardent passion is crying about my chemistry syllabus and computer practicals. Even though some members of the Secretariat might call me one of the most “interesting chairs”, they do not miss an opportunity to point out my lack of understanding of the simplest jokes. I try to take time out of my busy schedule (I wonder why) to go around Kolkata, clicking pictures for my photography account, making photography another one of my hobbies. But jokes aside, if you ever want to talk to someone who will listen to you without judging you, all you need to do is come to OpenHouse, Theatre Road, where I usually eat, sleep, hang out and (occasionally) study and look for someone who is trying her best to copy 20 numericals out of someone's homework.

 

As ancient as this committee is, you can be sure to expect nothing short of crazy updates and fast-paced debate. From ancient Chinese customs to detailed plots on illegal drug smuggling, I encourage all of you to let your creativity run wild. I’m looking forward to constructive and fruitful debate (and an interesting entertainment motion) with you all in this committee. Lastly, I hope we all get to learn something from each other and walk away with new memories and friends. 

 

See you there!

 

Until May,

Shambhavi Mehra,

Chairperson,

The Qing Grand Council,

La Martiniere Calcutta Model United Nations, 2023.