In 1870 when Japan finished the 'Hansekihokan' (returning of lands and people to the emperor), a challenge in the domestic policy, successfully, Japan concluded the equal treaty (Japanese-Qing Treaty of Amity) with the Qing dynasty, which was at the top of the tributary system, because it would be advantageous to diplomatic negotiations with Korea.
版籍奉還という日本国内の難問を無事に乗り越えた1870年、朝鮮との国交交渉を有利にするため、冊封体制の頂点にたつ清朝と対等の条約、日清修好条規を締結した。