In the long history of nations, disputes between countries are often resolved through peace agreements, some of which involve the division of territories. The Treaty of Nerchinsk signed in 1689 is such an important historical document, which not only marked the initial establishment of the border between China and Russia but also involved the issue of territorial cession.

The Treaty of Nerchinsk was the first boundary treaty signed between the Qing Dynasty and the Russian Empire, and its signing ended decades of border conflicts. The treaty stipulated the boundary between China and Russia in the outer northeastern region, specifically granting the Qing Dynasty control over the Heilongjiang River Basin and ceding the territory east of Lake Baikal to Russia. This division had profound impacts on the geopolitical landscape of the time.

Specifically, regarding the amount of territorial cession, according to the content of the treaty, the Qing Dynasty abandoned its claims to the region east of Lake Baikal, which meant vast areas including present-day eastern Angara River, southeast and south of Lake Baikal in Russia were ceded to Russia. A large number of Tungusic people and other indigenous ethnic groups lived in this land, and their lives and cultures were consequently affected.

The signing of the Treaty of Nerchinsk had certain practical significance at that time. For the Qing Dynasty, it temporarily stabilized the northern border, reduced direct conflicts with Russia, and enabled the Qing Dynasty to focus on addressing other internal and external troubles. For Russia, it gained access to the Pacific Ocean, laying the foundation for its eastward expansion. However, this treaty also foreshadowed later territorial disputes.

In the broader historical context, we can see that the Treaty of Nerchinsk is not just a piece of paper; it reflects the complexity of international relations and the power game between major powers at that time. Although from a modern perspective, territorial cession may be accompanied by national suffering and the loss of sovereignty, it was a reluctant choice made by the two countries for peace and stability at that time.

Through the discussion of the Treaty of Nerchinsk, we can gain a deeper understanding of how countries resolve territorial disputes through negotiations and how these decisions affect the fate of nations and the future of ethnic groups in the long history. This treaty is not only an important milestone in the history of China and Russia, but also a classic case in international law and diplomatic history, worthy of our in-depth study and reflection.

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