Zdvořilý nezájem - Ekonomické a politické zájmy Rakouska-Uherska na Dálném východě 1900-1914 – Skřivan, ml. Aleš (2014)

Although Austria-Hungary never built a colonial empire, it had interests in some overseas areas. One of these was the Far East, where traders from the Habsburg monarchy arrived as early as the eighteenth century. Nevertheless, Austria was a latecomer in East Asia. Since the end of the 19th century, the Far East had been one of the main focal points of international tension. The impact on Austro-Hungarian policy was rather indirect – the attention of the Russian rival was diverted from the Balkans. However, Vienna strengthened its representation in East Asia, considered establishing a naval base in China, participated in suppressing the Boxer Rebellion, and obtained a concession in Tianjin. The monarchy's position in trade with Japan improved after 1900, and the successes of Škoda Works before 1914 suggested that trade with China could also develop. However, after the outbreak of the First World War, Japan sided with the Allies, and in 1917, so did China. Thus, Austro-Hungarian engagement in the Far East came to an end. What was the nature of Vienna's policy in the Far East? How active were Austro-Hungarian companies in the local markets? Our publication aims to answer these and other questions.