An analysis of Britain’s commercial empire in China must include an appraisal of British railway leases granted by China during the scramble for concessions in 1897 and 1898. It is striking that Britain, Europe’s most modernized nation, did not push for railroad development in China before European competition became so acute. British interest and eventual demands for railway concessions served a two-fold purpose, commercial and political. Informal empire could not be maintained without both in an era of increased foreign competition. By early 1897 no Chinese or foreign cartel had been awarded the commercially and politically important railway. In May 1897 Sir Claude M. MacDonald explained how the railroad negotiations had proceeded. His report included a precis of the Belgian loan agreement which proved that no English, German, nor American products or personnel would be involved in the construction or administration of the line.