“Chinese isolationism in the 16th century damaged its economic and political development.” Discuss.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that “Chinese isolationism in the 16th century damaged its economic and political development”. They may offer equal coverage of economic development and political development, or they may prioritize their discussion of one, but both will be a feature in relation to Chinese isolationism. Candidates may adopt a chronological approach that identifies that the events and reasons for Chinese isolationism and its impact on Chinese economic and political development. Alternatively, candidates may choose a thematic approach and may refer to aspects such as China’s xenophobia, Confucian philosophy, the stagnation in the development of new ideas and technology, military weakness, threats of invasion overland, the Qing dynasty, and internal wealth and trade. These need not all be covered or covered equally. While other, relevant, factors such as external pressures may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.