China is the most populous country in the world with a population exceeding 1.4 billion people. It can be traced back to the 21 century BCE. In the 1700s China was ruled by the Qing dynasty, which was the last orthodox dynasty in Chinese history. During the late 17th century and early 18th century, China was known for their exports like cotton, silk, tea, and ceramics. 

In "The Royal Exchange" China is mentioned along with other places where England was getting imports from. "The fruits of Portugal are corrected by the products of Barbadoes: the infusion of a China plant sweetened with the pith of an Indian cane."