What was the purpose of the Open Door Policy proposed by Secretary of State John Jay?

The Open Door Policy, proposed by Secretary of State John Jay in 1899, aimed to ensure that all foreign nations would have equal trading rights in China and to prevent any single power from monopolizing the country. This approach was particularly designed to stop European powers from dividing China into exclusive spheres of influence, which would severely limit U.S. access to Chinese markets. By advocating for an Open Door Policy, the United States positioned itself as a key player in international commerce and sought to maintain a competitive environment for trade in China, where multiple nations could participate without obstructive tariffs or colonial control. This policy reflects the broader goals of U.S. foreign policy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which focused on expanding economic interests abroad while seeking to promote open markets and competition rather than territorial expansion or direct control over territories.