ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the earlier connections between China and the rest of the world so as to supply some historical background for consideration of China's present relations with other states. Chinese history is generally regarded as beginning in the twenty-fourth century BC with the reigns of the great Emperors Yao and Shun. The earliest authentic record of foreign influence in China dates roughly, when Buddhism was first introduced. A mission was sent West by the Emperor Wu Ti, and news was obtained of the powerful nation known to the Chinese as Yueh Ti, who then inhabited the area now known as Bokhara. Chinese products were being sold there as Indian goods, having arrived from that direction. This mission accomplished little in the way of opening up trade as the two peoples were still separated by the barbarous Hsiang-nu. To religious enthusiasm, in the first place, is also due another movement that has affected the life of China.
