Kowtowing to the Middle Kingdom

China has a long history of imperial arrogance, regarding itself as the centre of the earth and being labelled “The Middle Kingdom”. According to ancient Chinese diplomatic practice, ‘barbarians’, including rulers and diplomats representing European powers, had to “kowtow” before the Emperor, acknowledging him as the “son of heaven”. The Chinese practice of kowtow required others to kneel and bow so low as to have one’s head touching the ground!

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