Convention of Chuenpi agreed by Elliot and Qishan

Background. Tensions escalated during the First Opium War. In 1840, Qishan replaced Lin Zexu as Imperial Commissioner. British forces captured the Humen forts on 7 January 1841, forcing Qishan to negotiate. Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston had instructed the joint plenipotentiaries, Captain Charles Elliot and his cousin Admiral George Elliot, to acquire the cession of at least one island for trade on the Chinese coast. The military victory at the Second Battle of Chuenpi created the conditions for the agreement, with Qishan becoming submissive in negotiations from 7 to 19 January 1841.

Terms. The convention demanded the Qing cede Hong Kong Island, pay an indemnity of 6 million silver ingots for opium destroyed in 1838, and reopen Guangzhou for opium trade by February 1841. Additional terms included the restoration of Chuenpi and Taikoktow to China and the evacuation of Zhoushan, which the British had occupied since July 1840. These terms were later reflected in the Treaty of Nanking.

Repudiation. The terms were published on 20 January 1841, but both governments rejected them. Elliot and Qishan were dismissed from their positions. Qishan had signed without seeking approval from the Qing imperial court, leading to a significant decline in his reputation. Pottinger replaced Elliot in May 1841. Despite the rejection, many terms were later included in the Treaty of Nanking.