How did the Chinese government control foreign trade?

The Chinese government controlled foreign trade through strict regulations, tariffs, quotas, and state-run trading companies.

The Chinese government has historically exercised a high degree of control over foreign trade. This control has been implemented through a variety of mechanisms, including strict regulations, tariffs, quotas, and the establishment of state-run trading companies. These measures have been used to protect domestic industries, maintain economic stability, and ensure that the benefits of trade are distributed in accordance with the government's strategic objectives.

One of the key ways in which the Chinese government has controlled foreign trade is through the use of regulations. These regulations have often been designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. For example, the government has imposed restrictions on the import of certain goods, such as automobiles and luxury goods, in order to support domestic producers. In addition, the government has also implemented regulations to control the flow of foreign capital into the country, in order to prevent economic instability.

Another important tool that the Chinese government has used to control foreign trade is tariffs. Tariffs are taxes that are imposed on imported goods, making them more expensive and therefore less competitive in the domestic market. The Chinese government has used tariffs to protect domestic industries and to raise revenue. The level of tariffs has often been adjusted in response to changes in the global economic environment and the government's strategic objectives.

The Chinese government has also used quotas to control foreign trade. Quotas are limits on the quantity of a particular good that can be imported. By imposing quotas, the government can control the supply of certain goods in the domestic market, which can help to stabilise prices and protect domestic producers.

Finally, the Chinese government has established state-run trading companies to control foreign trade. These companies have been given exclusive rights to import and export certain goods. This has allowed the government to maintain a high degree of control over the trade in these goods, and to ensure that the benefits of trade are distributed in accordance with its strategic objectives.