What policy was authored by Secretary of State Hay regarding trade in China?

The Open Door Policy, authored by Secretary of State John Hay in 1899, was a significant diplomatic proposal aimed at ensuring equal trading rights for all nations in China and maintaining China's territorial integrity. This policy was created in response to the increasing sphere of influence that various foreign powers were exerting over China at the time, which led to fears of the country being divided into colonies.

The essence of the Open Door Policy was to advocate for an environment where all countries could trade freely in China without exclusive privileges for certain nations. This approach was important not just for commercial interests but also for promoting peace and stability in the region by preventing any single power from dominating China.

This initiative is pivotal in understanding the dynamics of U.S. foreign policy in the late 19th century and contributes to discussions around imperialism, international relations, and trade policies. Other options do not relate directly to this specific historical context regarding trade with China during that era, as they represent different concepts or agreements not initiated by Hay or not focused specifically on China’s trade situation.