Lessons in Chinese history as America shuts off from the world

Those who have studied history understand the importance of being engaged in the global economy.

• Walid Hejazi
• The Conversation

Two thousand years ago, China represented nearly 25 per cent of the global economy. In 1600, it was 30 per cent, and a third in 1820. The country was a global powerhouse, to say the least.

There is a famous story from 1792 when King George III’s ambassador led a trade mission to China with a cargo of the latest European technologies to present to the Chinese emperor — telescopes, globes, barometers, lenses, clocks, carriages, and…

Historians report the Chinese emperor said: “There…

• Lessons in Chinese…