Why Japan and China had a Markedly Different Response

Why Japan and China had a Markedly Different Response 
Throughout the course, a key theme has been the role of imperialism in forming the modern world. Imperialism may involve colonialism (direct control of foreign territory) or domination of foreign territory without taking direct control. The latter was influenced more by preferential trade agreements. As summarized by Lord Sherburne (1737-1805), “England preferred trade without domination where possible, but accepted trade with domination when necessary” (Lecture 4). A key outcome of imperialism is that countries or territories on the receiving end had to adapt to changes or be left in oblivion. This can be highlighted when parallels are drawn based on the responses of China and Japan to European imperialism.
Factors that Influenced Different Responses
Before Europeans shifted their focus to Africa and Asia following resistance and independence in the Americas, China and Japan were among the most advanced countries in the world. For instance, between the 1600s and 1700s, the Chinese Empire was the most sophisticated and powerful state on the planet (Lecture 1). The economy and technology outshone all places on the planet, and their fleets had already reached East Africa. Japan was equally as developed, though smaller and less powerful, and was equally as advanced. At the time, Europeans depended on Chinese luxury goods, while European goods were seen as inferior and backward. Thus, the first factor that prompted different reactions from the two countries was the balance of power. When Europe made contact with China, the latter had the upper hand, unlike Japan.
Another factor is the time in which Europe first made contact with China. This means that Japan had an opportunity to learn from China's mistakes and take the appropriate steps in handling the inevitable imperialism. This involved embracing and practicing the Western culture, incorporating science &am...