What is Nguyen Dynasty diplomacy?

For the first time, special documents on our country's diplomatic activities during the first 50 years of independence and autonomy under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1858) will be published in a virtual exhibition of the National Archives Center I.

The photo depicts the event in 1825, when the Count and French Navy Colonel came to Da Nang to request to establish a consulate and establish trade, but King Minh Mang refused. (Source: Exhibition documents)

On August 22, the National Archives Center I (State Records and Archives Department) will open the virtual exhibition "Nguyen Dynasty Diplomacy: Between the East-West Winds" to introduce to the public hundreds of unique documents, published for the first time, about Vietnam's diplomatic activities in the first 50 years of independence and autonomy under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1858), before the French colonialists invaded our country.

Most of them are selected documents from the Nguyen Dynasty's Imperial Records - World Documentary Heritage, including artifacts and documents such as: Imperial Records of the 16th year of Gia Long (1817) stating that: Ships brought gifts from King Ba Lang Sa (France) to the King of Vietnam to show friendship; in 1825, the French Navy Captain Count came to Da Nang to request to establish a consulate and trade, but King Minh Mang refused; Map of the journey to China as an ambassador during the Minh Mang period (1825)...

With a unique 3D space, the exhibition will take viewers back in history through two parts: “Closing the West” and “Opening the East.”

Map of the diplomatic mission to China during the Minh Mang period (1825). (Source: Exhibition materials)

In part 1, the Nguyen Dynasty's Imperial Records show that the Nguyen Dynasty kings from Gia Long to Tu Duc in their relations with Western countries consistently implemented a policy of "self-defense" and "closed-off." However, the Nguyen Dynasty did not completely "break off relations" with anything related to the West.

Typically, the Nguyen Dynasty kings sent delegations to examine the situation, buy essential goods, guns and ammunition, and learn about Western science and technology. In addition, ships from England, France, and the United States also received help and hospitality from the Nguyen Dynasty many times. Some Confucian scholars also submitted petitions to propose friendly relations with the West.

Document part 2 "Opening the East" displays the first page of a document from the 16th year of Gia Long (1817) talking about a ship carrying gifts from King Ba Lang Sa (France) to the king of Vietnam to show friendship.

Franco-Spanish Mission. (Source: Vietnam in the past through French engravings)

Many other documents show that while implementing the “no Western” policy, the Nguyen Dynasty kings prioritized developing relations with Eastern countries such as Cambodia, Vientiane, Siam, Nam Chuong, Thuy Xa, Hoa Xa, etc., especially with neighboring China.

According to information from the National Archives Center I, learning about the diplomatic activities of our ancestors is also a way for us to "separate the bad from the good," drawing out values ​​for contemporary life.

The exhibition is expected to bring viewers interesting experiences and discoveries, useful information, new perspectives and deeper understanding of our country's diplomatic activities under the Nguyen Dynasty.

The exhibition, aimed at commemorating the Traditional Day of Vietnam's Diplomacy (August 28), will start at 8:00 a.m. on August 22 on the website of the National Archives Center I and the Center's Fanpage.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ngoai-giao-trieu-nguyen-co-gi-282928.html