Treaty of Nerchinsk
Nerchinsk, Zabaykalsky Krai, Siberia, Russia
What happened
Russia, represented by Fyodor Golovin, and Qing dynasty China, represented by Songgotu, with the Jesuit priests Jean-François Gerbillon and Thomas Pereira as translators. Russian settlers had moved into the Amur River region, and the Qing army twice took their fort at Albazin. Instead of fighting on, both empires sent officials to meet at Nerchinsk. They agreed on a border along rivers and mountains, Russia agreed to give up Albazin, and travel and trade were allowed with the right papers.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first treaty between Russia and Qing China, and it settled a border between two great empires by talks rather than war. It opened China to Russian fur traders.
What came next
The Treaty of Kyakhta in 1727 confirmed and expanded the agreement. In 1858 the Treaty of Aigun moved the border south, giving Russia the land north of the Amur.
Did you know?
The official version of the treaty was in Latin, and the border stones were carved in Chinese, Manchu, Russian and Latin.
Timeline
- c. 1640Russians begin moving into the Amur region.
- 1685-1686Qing forces take the Russian fort at Albazin twice.
- 27 August 1689The Treaty of Nerchinsk is signed.
- 1727The Treaty of Kyakhta confirms and expands it.
- 1858The Treaty of Aigun moves the border south.