Once I think of the cosmopolitan Chang'an (長安) in the Tang era, I suddenly realize it was actually the first time China faced the Eight-Nation Alliance (八國聯軍) - of civilization.
It was the time of blooming of Buddhism in China. Muslim was playing a crucial part in the nation's alliance. Turks and Arabians were friends in business but antagonists in military consideration (sounds familiar, eh). Japan, Korea and Vietnam regularly sent students and government officials to learn various aspects of civilization - from the system of words to design of the capital. Nearly 2% of the population of Chang'an were foreign citizens - and another 2% travellers. (England ? It was still the time of Heptarchy and Christianisation, and another 300 years before the appearance of King William I and the land became unified.)
It was the time of blooming of Buddhism in China. Muslim was playing a crucial part in the nation's alliance. Turks and Arabians were friends in business but antagonists in military consideration (sounds familiar, eh). Japan, Korea and Vietnam regularly sent students and government officials to learn various aspects of civilization - from the system of words to design of the capital. Nearly 2% of the population of Chang'an were foreign citizens - and another 2% travellers. (England ? It was still the time of Heptarchy and Christianisation, and another 300 years before the appearance of King William I and the land became unified.)
And, did Tang's people boycott Arabian stores or set fire on Buddhist temples ? Of course not. Chinese at that time were confident with their own culture. A people could only be receptive if they have no inferiority complex.
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