Robert Hart (head of Chinese Customs 1863-1910) and his Loyalties, Neither Chinese Nor British

Robert Hart is a key figure in late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Chinese history, best known for building and expanding the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs (CIMC) during his nearly fifty years as Inspector General (1863-1910). Beyond overseeing tax collection on behalf of the Qing government, he played a crucial role in Sino-Western affairs, serving as a mediator in negotiations between the Qing court and foreign diplomats.