In the late 1890s, what demand did Russia, Germany, France, and Britain make regarding China?

During the late 1890s, Russia, Germany, France, and Britain sought to expand their geopolitical power, primarily focusing on establishing spheres of influence in China. A sphere of influence refers to a region where a particular country holds significant sway over economic and political matters, without having direct control or formal governance.

The reason this demand emerged was rooted in the context of China's vulnerability due to internal strife, economic issues, and the weakening of the Qing Dynasty. European powers were eager to exploit these weaknesses to secure advantageous trade agreements and access to Chinese markets. By establishing spheres of influence, these countries aimed to control trade routes, resources, and markets, thereby limiting competition from other imperial powers, including the United States.

The focus on spheres of influence had profound implications, including the destabilization of China and contributing to anti-foreign sentiments amongst the Chinese population, leading to events like the Boxer Rebellion. This demand reflected the broader trends of imperialism prevalent during that era, where powerful nations competed for dominance and control over weaker states.