Why did the Chinese join and then withdraw from international trade?

The Chinese initially joined international trade during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as they sought modernization and economic growth, influenced by Western powers and the need for foreign investment. However, withdrawal occurred due to a combination of internal strife, including the fall of the Qing dynasty and the rise of nationalism, alongside external pressures and exploitation by foreign powers, leading to a desire for self-sufficiency and the protection of domestic industries. This shift was further reinforced by the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, which emphasized a closed, state-controlled economy.