Why did Kangxi bow his head in the Treaty of Nebuchadnezzar Chu?

Why did Kangxi bow his head in the Treaty of Nebuchadnezzar Chu?

The famous Treaty of Nebuchadnezzar Chu in history textbooks is the first border treaty signed between China and western countries. The Qing empire used tens of thousands of troops for this purpose, while the other Russia only sent an expedition of several hundred people. The Qing empire occupied an absolute advantage, because Russia was deeply involved in the war with Sweden at that time and could not look eastward.

However, in the Treaty of Nebuchadnezzar Chu, the Qing Empire did not ask for any benefits in the face of invading Russia, but only asked for the preservation of its former national borders. Compared with the bottom line of Peter the Great's cession of Eastern Siberia, it is simply stupid.

This is also the regret of many territorial lovers. Historians use it to publicize that China has always loved peace and is unwilling to occupy other countries' land. Despite all kinds of assumptions and reasons, what is the real reason why the Qing Empire gave up its territorial claims in the Treaty of Nebuchadnezzar Chu?

First, the land promised by Russia is worthless. Even today, East Siberia is still one of the most desolate regions in the world. Russia has occupied this area for hundreds of years, and East Siberia has not been effectively developed. Of course, from the perspective of natural resources, East Siberia is still very valuable.

The question is, how did the Qing Empire exploit these resources before the industrial revolution? If these resources can't be exploited, what's the use of this land for the Qing Empire? One is that farmers can't farm, and the other is that herders can't graze. What's the use of just a large area In the end, the cost of maintaining the rule of this land is higher than the tax revenue from this land. Then why did the Qing Empire feed this rotten land?

Second, Kangxi did not understand the difficulties faced by Russia and the comprehensive national strength of Russia. In the face of the decisive battle with the quasi-Gurkhas, Kangxi naturally didn't want to provoke another strong enemy. So, he put forward very low conditions. The purpose is to make Russia accept the land it wants to colonize, as long as it does not infringe on its own land.

The clear meaning given by Kangxi was undoubtedly accepted by Russian rulers. From then on, before the Opium War, Russia never invaded the borders of the Qing Empire. It was only during the Yongzheng period that he wanted a land of quasi-Gurkha that was destroyed, and Yongzheng accepted the border treaty proposed by Russia in its entirety. So there was no large-scale conflict between the two sides.

Third, the civilians of the Qing Empire did not adapt to the cold climate in Siberia, so it was impossible for the Qing Empire to immigrate to Siberia on a large scale. If you can't immigrate, the land doesn't even have the function of carrying the surplus population. Moreover, without the people, there would be no taxes, a vast territory with few people and a bad environment. Even if preferential conditions are offered to encourage immigration, I believe that the Han people (if they want to emigrate, they can only emigrate to the Han nationality, and other ethnic minorities have a vast territory and few people, so they can't emigrate at all) and the people will not actively participate.

Therefore, this land will belong to Russia sooner or later. It is better to sell the land now and let Russia be grateful to itself.