CONTESTED BORDERS: CHINA, BRITAIN, AND RUSSIA DURING THE LATE QING DYNASTY PLAGUE

Abstract

This study delves into the complex historical backdrop of the British Raj plague and its effects on Xinjiang, China, during the late Qing Dynasty. Located on the northwest border of China, Xinjiang's strategic importance was heightened by its proximity to the Russian border and the British Raj. In 1897, a devastating plague outbreak struck Karachi and Mumbai, British Raj, rapidly spreading across the region and causing significant casualties. Recognizing the risk posed by the plague's potential transmission to Kashgar, Xinjiang, both China and Russia implemented preventive measures in their border areas. This led to tensions with British Raj, as these actions interfered with British interests. Despite its historical significance, there has been limited scholarly exploration of the information dissemination, the responses of China, Britain, and Russia, and the political rivalries that unfolded in the context of the British Raj plague. This research aims to fill this gap by shedding light on these intricate dynamics, offering a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in history