Imperial Commissioner (China)
Imperial Commissioner (Chinese: 欽差大臣) was a high-ranking government official or military general commissioned by the emperor of China during the late Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. His power was just below that of the emperor, such that he could command viceroys and provincial governors by imperial edict.
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.
Military recruitment and transport. Examples include Tan Lun, Hong Chengchou, Xiang Rong, Zuo Zongtang and Yuan Shikai
Imperial Commissioners received a sword of office from the emperor.
1555 Tan Lun wokou suppression
1564 Yan Song
1640 Hong Chengchou against the Qing
1838 Lin Zexu (First Opium War)
1842 Qiying
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