During mid 19th century, Opium War and internal rebellions such as Taiping 

Rebellion pushed China into an abyss. Li Hongjang, one of most prominent 

politicians of the century in the north east Asia led Self-Strengthening movement 

to keep China from falling apart. The reformers believed that Confucianism was

superior to Weatern ideas. They decided to keep their beurocracies, cultures and ethics. 
They thought what China needed was science and technology that could strengthen

their military force. The reform continued until 1895 when China(Qing dynasty)

was defeated by Japanese in the first Sino Japanese War. Japan was westernized 

completely through Meiji reform. Some Chinese students went to Japan to learn 

new western ideas and technology.
 

One can find the resemblance in the modern day China to Self-Strengthening movement.

Chinese Communist Party rules the country, but capitalistic economy is prosperous. Her 

students and scholars are studying in U.S.A. And they will bring back what they learn

in America that is most capitalistic and democratic in the world. How long can one party authoritarian 

rule and capitalism stay in balance? Will it fail like self strengthening movement?

https://news.joins.com/article/23847509?cloc=joongang-home-opinioncolumn

김민석의 Mr. 밀리터리] 미국, 모자이크 전쟁으로 중국에 대응한다

[출처: 중앙일보] [김민석의 Mr. 밀리터리] 미국, 모자이크 전쟁으로 중국에 대응한다