China not only asserted a suzerainty over the kingdom of Burma, but she claimed that a part of Upper Burma
- that is to say, of the hilly skirts of the Irawadi valley, above the 'Second Defile' - formed an integral part of the
Chinese dominions. Her dotted boundary may be traced on many charts-charts constructed at a time
when there was not the remotest idea of the British power coming on the scene."
The Chinese based their tribute claim on a convention made at the close of the war of 1769, whereby, they declare,
the Burmese agreed to send them decennial presents; and argue that, in taking possession of Burma,
the British became responsible for her obligations. The Burmese, on the other hand, indignantly repudiated this idea,
and retorted that there was a reciprocal arrangement, by which both sides bound themselves to despatch presents
in token of amity.