The Treaty of Tientsin was signed in 1856 between the Qing Dynasty of China and several Western powers, including Britain, France, Russia, and the United States. It was part of the broader conflict known as the Second Opium War, which aimed to expand foreign trade and diplomatic relations in China. The treaty opened several ports to foreign trade and allowed foreign diplomats to reside in Beijing. In addition to trade provisions, the treaty included clauses that granted religious freedom to Christians in China and established a framework for future negotiations. The Treaty of Tientsin marked a significant shift in China's foreign relations, leading to increased Western influence in the region.