Research on the Reform of Replacing Native Chieftains with Appointed Officials in Kham region at the End of the Qing Dynasty from the Perspective of the Chinese National Community

Abstract

Kham region is located between Sichuan and Tibet, serving as a vital passage connecting the two regions. It is also an important multi-ethnic area where various ethnic groups interact, exchange and integrate. It has always been highly valued by the central government. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, in the face of foreign aggression and acute internal conflicts in Kham region, the Qing government established the policy of "replacing native chieftains with appointed officials" to govern Kham region. Among them, Zhao Erfeng's series of policies implemented in politics, economy and culture were the most effective. These measures, while promoting the economic and cultural development of Kham region, an integral part of Chinese civilization, jointly maintained the "unified" pattern of the Qing Dynasty and enhanced the national identity of the people in Kham region. Moreover, from the perspective of historical development, the implementation of the policy of "replacing native chieftains with appointed officials" in Kham region at the end of the Qing Dynasty also holds significant value in maintaining and promoting the continuous development of the Chinese nation community.