Imperial Commissioner (China)

Imperial Commissioner (Manchu: hese i takūraha amban) was a high-ranking government official or military general commissioned by the emperor of China during the late Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. His power was just below that of the emperor, such that he could command viceroys and provincial governors by imperial edict.

Main responsibilities
Negotiations with foreign powers, for example Lin Zexu, Qishan and Shen Baozhen) as well as treaty ratification as exemplified by Qiying, Yixin, Prince Gong and Li Hongzhang.

Manage aid and unite local government in response to large-scale natural disasters.

Subsidiary responsibilities
Military recruitment and transport. Examples include Tan Lun, Hong Chengchou, Xiang Rong, Zuo Zongtang and Yuan Shikai

List of Imperial Commissioners (middle and late Ming dynasty)
Imperial Commissioners received a sword of office from the emperor.


 * 1555: Tan Lun wokou suppression
 * 1564: Yan Song
 * 1640: Hong Chengchou against the Qing

List of Imperial Commissioners (late Qing)

 * 1838: Lin Zexu (First Opium War)
 * 1840: Qishan (Qing dynasty)
 * 1842: Qiying
 * 1850: Lin Zexu (Taiping Rebellion)
 * 1852: Ye Mingchen
 * 1852: Xiang Rong
 * 1858: Qiying
 * 1860: Yixin, Prince Gong
 * 1871: Shen Baozhen
 * 1875: Zuo Zongtang
 * 1885: Zuo Zongtang
 * 1895: Li Hongzhang
 * 1896: Li Hongzhang
 * 1911: Zhao Erxun
 * 1911: Yuan Shikai