a) China

The ‘Open Door Policy,’ initiated by the United States at the turn of the 20th century, primarily concerned China. This policy, proposed by U.S. Secretary of State John Hay, aimed at preserving equal trade opportunities for all countries with China and safeguarding China’s territorial and administrative integrity. At a time when imperial powers were carving out spheres of influence in China, the Open Door Policy sought to prevent the partitioning of China and ensure that no single nation would have a monopoly on trade. This policy reflected the United States’ interest in maintaining a stable, open market in China and its broader strategy to promote free trade and counter colonialism.