Abstract: From the late 15th century to the mid of 17th century, Britain and China were in an important transition period of from medieval society to modern society. During this period, with the Great Navigation Era, the rise and fall of overseas trade forces was essential to social transformation. China and British both faced historic opportunity to develop overseas trade, but China was going backand the British came from behind, which profoundly affected the two countries’ historical process of transferring to modern society. The important reason was the difference of the rights of Chinese and British overseas traders.
Key words: 15-17 century; China; British; overseas trader; right
[The Journal of Chinese Social and Economic History, 2003(02)]