The Tianjing incident emerged against the backdrop of the Second Opium War, a conflict marked by increasing tensions between China and Western powers, primarily Britain. In 1856, British nationals based in China found themselves at the center of a growing conflict when local residents clashed with foreigners. Nanjing, a city already fraught with emotions over foreign intervention, became a focal point for these tensions. Local officials and the Chinese populace felt increasingly resentful of foreign encroachments, which they viewed as threats to their sovereignty and ways of life.

As tensions boiled over, the incident escalated into violence, reflecting broader issues of trade rights and cultural clashes. The British, seeking to protect their interests and assert their status, were determined to respond to the challenges posed by the Chinese authorities. This confrontation not only represented a localized clash but also highlighted the increasing discontent within China against both foreign influence and internal governance. With growing hostilities, the incident served as a critical moment that foreshadowed further escalation in hostilities, ultimately leading to more intense military engagements in the years that followed.

Following the Tianjing incident, the relationship between China and foreign powers experienced further strain. European powers, witnessing the resistance from Chinese officials and citizens, took note of the potential for greater conflict. This period solidified the understanding that tensions over sovereignty, trade, and cultural differences would continue to shape interactions between China and Western nations in the future, laying the groundwork for subsequent treaties, wars, and shifts in power dynamics in East Asia.