While theQing dynasty of China tried to maintain the traditionaltributary system of China, by the 19th century Qing China had become part of a European-style community ofsovereign states[1] and had established officialdiplomatic relations with over twenty countries around the world before its downfall in 1912. It also establishedlegations andconsulates known as the "Chinese Legation", "Imperial Consulate of China", "Imperial Chinese Consulate (General)" or similar names in seventeen countries since the 1870s.
| Country | Date of establishment |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom | August 29, 1842 |
 France | October 24, 1844 |
 Sweden | March 20, 1847 |
 Norway | March 20, 1847 |
 Russia | June 13, 1858 |
 Germany | September 2, 1861 |
 Portugal | August 13, 1862 |
 Denmark | July 13, 1863 |
 Netherlands | October 6, 1863 |
 Spain | October 10, 1864 |
 Belgium | November 2, 1865 |
 Italy | October 26, 1866 |
 Austria-Hungary | September 2, 1869 |
| Country | Date of establishment |
|---|---|
 United States | July 3, 1844 |
 Peru | June 26, 1874 |
 Brazil | October 3, 1881 |
 Mexico | December 14, 1899 |
 Cuba | September 16, 1902 |
 Canada | January 9, 1909 |
 Panama | January 16, 1910 |
| Country | Date of establishment |
|---|---|
 Japan | September 13, 1871 |
 Korea | September 11, 1899 |
| Country | Date of establishment |
|---|---|
 South Africa | November 4, 1904 |
| Country | Date of establishment |
|---|---|
 Australia | May 21, 1908 |
 New Zealand | May 21, 1908 |