What were the main reasons the China signed on the equal treaties with western nations?

China signed the unequal treaties with Western nations primarily due to military defeat and coercion. The Opium Wars (1839-1842, 1856-1860) showcased China's military vulnerabilities, leading to concessions such as territorial losses, trade imbalances, and extraterritorial rights for foreigners. Additionally, internal strife and economic challenges weakened China's negotiating position, forcing it to accept terms that favored Western powers. These treaties marked a significant loss of sovereignty and are viewed as a humiliating chapter in Chinese history.