This article does not cite any sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: "Imperial Commissioner" China – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (November 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Imperial Commissioner (simplified Chinese: 钦差大臣; traditional Chinese: 欽差大臣; pinyin: qīn chāi dà chén; Manchu: ᡥᡝᠰᡝ ᡳ
ᠲᠠᡣᡡᠷᠠᡥᠠ
ᠠᠮᠪᠠᠨ hese i takūraha amban) was a high-ranking government official or military general commissioned by the emperor of China during the late Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1636–1912) dynasties. His power was just below that of the emperor, such that he could command viceroys and provincial governors by imperial edict.

Functions

Main responsibilities

Negotiations with foreign powers, for example Lin Zexu, Qishan and Shen Baozhen) as well as treaty ratification as exemplified by Qiying, Yixin, Prince Gong and Li Hongzhang.

Manage aid and unite local government in response to large-scale natural disasters.

Subsidiary responsibilities

Military recruitment and transport. Examples include Tan Lun, Hong Chengchou, Xiang Rong, Zuo Zongtang and Yuan Shikai

List of Imperial Commissioners (middle and late Ming dynasty)

Imperial Commissioners received a sword of office from the emperor.

List of Imperial Commissioners (late Qing)

See also

Categories