Tsungli Yamen

…first principal director of the Zongli Yamen, which acted as the Chinese foreign office. In this position, until his death, he became popular with foreign diplomats for his straightforwardness. It was partly through his efforts that a détente was reached with the Western powers that lasted almost 20 years (1860–78).

…representatives in the capital, the Zongli Yamen (office for General Management) was opened to deal with foreign affairs, its main staff filled by the peace party leaders. The Qing officials themselves, however, deemed this as still keeping a faint silhouette of the tribute system.