Treaty of Saint Petersburg (1881)

The Treaty of Saint Petersburg (1881), also known as Treaty of Ili, was the treaty between the Russian Empire and the Qing dynasty, signed in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on 12 (24) February 1881. It provided for the return to China of the eastern part of the Ili Basin region, also known as Zhetysu occupied by Russia in 1871 during the Dungan Revolt up to 1881.

During the Russian conquest of Turkestan Russia gained control of eastern Kazakhstan up to the current Chinese border. During the Dungan Revolt (1862-77) China lost control of much of its western territory and power passed to various factions. In 1871 Russia occupied the Kulja territory. There was talk of permanent annexation, but Saint Petersburg declared that it was occupying the territory until the Chinese could bring in an army and restore order. Chinese authority in Xinjiang was reestablished by 1877. Chung Hao was sent to Russia to negotiate. In September 1879 he concluded the Treaty of Lavadia. Russia would retain the Tekes valley at the southwest end of the Kulja territory and passes over the mountains to the Tarim Basin. China would pay 5 million rubles and various trade concessions were made. In January 1880 Chung Hao returned to Peking and was greeted with indignation. He was declared to have betrayed his country, was arrested and later sentenced to death. Zeng Jize, was appointed as the new ambassador. Russia refused to negotiate unless Chung Hao was released and this was backed by the other powers. In August 1880 Chung Hao was released and negotiations resumed. The Treaty of Saint Petersburg was concluded on February 12, 1881 and ratified within six months. Two years later (March 1883) Russia evacuated the province. There were some minor border problems and a final protocol was signed on October 19, 1883.

The Russian side was represented by Nicholas de Giers, head of Asiatic Affairs department of Foreign Ministry (who later in 1882 ascended to the Minister's seat), and Eugene Bützow, Russia's Ambassador in China.

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