Chapter 324: Zhuhai Trade Zone
Constantine's frustration with the Ndebele rebellion disrupted his plans in Dodoma. While the East African Kingdom typically paid little attention to indigenous resistance, the Ndebele rebellion was different due to its large scale and the strategic significance of the Matabele Plateau.
The Ndebele people had been co-ruling the Matabele Plateau with East Africa, relying on their martial heritage to maintain their dominance. However, the Ndebele uprising challenged this arrangement, and Constantine was determined to make them pay.
Constantine's decision was severe. He planned to force the entire Ndebele people to work on a canal project in East Africa for ten years as punishment for their rebellion.
Meanwhile, in Zhuhai Trade Zone, negotiations between East Africa and local authorities were fraught with difficulties. The Tang family, a powerful local clan, posed challenges to East Africa's attempts to establish a treaty port in the region.
The Tang family had significant influence within the Qing government and controlled various aspects of business and commerce. Their wealth and connections made them a formidable force in the area.
East Africa's attempt to establish a presence in Zhuhai Trade Zone was met with resistance from the Tang family and local officials. This prompted Guangzhou Prefecture's prefect, Mei Qizhao, to intervene and mediate the situation.
Mei Qizhao reprimanded the Xiangshan County magistrate for obstructing foreign relations and causing potential diplomatic problems. He highlighted the importance of maintaining peaceful development and not sabotaging the country's plans.
Mei Qizhao advised the magistrate to offer generous gifts as a goodwill gesture and accompany him to apologize to Consul Humus of East Africa. Additionally, Mei Qizhao warned the Tang family not to provoke conflict with foreign powers, as this could lead to diplomatic incidents and threaten their positions.
As a result of these efforts, a meeting took place between Mei Qizhao, Consul Humus, and the head of the Tang family. The Tang family expressed regret for the misunderstanding and extended support for East Africa's trade endeavors in the region.
The head of the Tang family even pointed out a suitable location in Tangjiawan for East Africa to develop a port. Consul Humus welcomed this development and emphasized the importance of fair trade.
With the misunderstanding resolved, the Zhuhai Trade Zone was established. It would serve as a crucial hub for exporting East Africa's industrial products and grains while importing the goods needed by East Africa.
This diplomatic success ensured that East Africa's interests would be served in Zhuhai and marked another step in the kingdom's expansion and development.
(end of this chapter)