A lecturer at Samarra University publishes a book on the French position regarding political developments in China.
Prof. Dr. (Alaa Taha Yassin), a lecturer in the Department of History at the College of Education for Humanities, Samarra University, has co-authored a scientific book on \’France\’s Position on Political Developments in China (1856–1922)\’, published by Rataj Publishing, Printing and Distribution House in Samarra, 2025. It presents the course of the French presence in China and its transformations within the context of international competition.
The book explains France\’s attempt to consolidate its influence following British gains, which prompted it to engage in the Second Opium War, leading to it obtaining multiple privileges.
The first chapter of the book focused on France\’s positions regarding events between 1856 and 1901, including its role in the Second Opium War, the Sino-French War, the crisis of the Sino-Japanese War, as well as its position on the Boxer Rebellion.
Meanwhile, the second chapter examines the period 1911–1917, through an analysis of France\’s position on the Chinese Revolution and the establishment of the republic, alongside its role in the banking consortium and its approach to internal situations, leading up to its efforts to involve China in the First World War.
In the same context, the third chapter focuses on France\’s role in international conferences and their impact on China between 1919 and 1922, highlighting its positions at the Paris Peace Conference and the Washington Naval Conference.
It is noted that the Second Opium War constituted the actual starting point of French penetration, while its victory in the Sino-French War contributed to strengthening its regional influence.\”
