Why did China refuse to deal with the foreigners as their equal?

Question

Why did China refuse to deal with the foreigners as their equal?

Answer 1

I don't understand why you asked the question.  When did China refuse to deal with foreigners as equal?  

500 years ago, they shut themselves off from the rest of the world and had no contact.  Prior to that, they sailed the world and influenced virtually all existing cultures for the better.

In recent history, China was invaded and abused by many western nations.  

So what period of history are you referring to?

Answer 2

In general, they believe they R superior  (a racist assumption) !       EDIT: PINK MOON - that is also a racist assumption; I guess U bought the hype !!!

Answer 3

Sissy Space-Sick, you might want to look at the opium war, and all the western force in China before the WWII.

Answer 4

because they think they are better than the rest of the planet.

Answer 5

Maybe the higher average IQ makes them think they deserve to

Answer 6

I think there's a commonly held belief that Westerners perceive themselves as better than the rest of the world. The rest of the world should rightfully resent that.

Perhaps the Chinese found a way that they perceived themselves as better than others, especially Westerners.  It wouldn't surprise me if they did, and I don't hold it against them for having done so - given the Western precedent, above.

They probably saw it as an eye for an eye, and all that.