Qing China signs the Treaty of Livadia with Russia on unfavorable terms

Background. The treaty was signed in Livadiya, Crimea, on 2 October 1879. It involved the return of lands occupied by Russia during the Dungan Revolt. Although Qing forces had retaken these areas by December 1877, the treaty terms were unfavorable to China, granting Russia access to southern Xinjiang and preferential commercial rights.

Reactions. The Chinese government disapproved of the treaty and refused to ratify it. The emissary, Chonghou, was denounced as a traitor, stripped of his rank, and imprisoned. Zhang Zhidong criticized the negotiations, noting the Russians' covetousness and Chonghou's absurdity in accepting the demands.

Aftermath. Russia feared European intervention if the terms became known. Given their financial situation and the lack of strategic importance of Ili, they agreed to discuss a new treaty on the condition that Chonghou was pardoned. This led to the Treaty of Saint Petersburg, which largely kept the same terms but returned more land.