Giving 99pts!

Imagine that you are an adviser to China's emperor. Write a letter advising the ruler whether you support a policy of isolation or engagement. Explain your reasons for supporting that policy. Your letter should be three paragraphs and each paragraph should discuss one reason for supporting or opposing isolation.

To the Emperor of Japan, Most Esteemed Emperor, We have benefited well from your administration. In all these years under your leadership, the wars between clans have ended and the country has finally united under your rule. The people now live in peace and prosperity. This was made possible because we have closed our borders and with it, we have prevented outside influence that would have disrupted or threatened your rule. We have achieved much because of this. However the times are now changing. In our long period of isolation, we lost touch with what is going with the world. Recently a large ship armed with modern artillery has entered our shores. Judging from the equipment and weapons on that ship, it has the capability of inflicting serious damage on our shores. It has dawned upon me that in our period of isolation, we have now lagged behind the latest developments happening in the world. Given this situation, I strongly urge you to end our policy of isolation. There is much we need to learn about the changes going in the world because we need to find out if we are still capable of defending our country from external threats. If our country is to continue to be independent, we must learn the latest trends in global affairs as well as in military operations and apply them to our country. It is either this or we risked being conquered by other countries due to the lack of knowledge of the outside world. It is the only to ensure our country’s freedom. Sincerely, your most humble servant

ALL the Chinese emperors opted for, if not isolation, then at least nonmodernization - Chines engagement with the West during the imperial period only happened when the Chinese were forced into it.

Same with the Shogun - who lost power, the position being abolished due to modernization.

So, the only thing the emperor wants to hear is isolation, as they like things the way they are, and anyway Japanese and Chinese rulers regarded foreigners, and in particular Westerners, as barbarians who couldn't possibly have anything positive to offer them other than tribute.

The only reason either of them engaged with the West is because they were forced to through threats (or actual use of) violence by Western powers.

The Rulers of China not want to hear any critics or any sort like that and you would really need for the letter to be neatly and nicely presented and appropiate.