Judge — March 8, 1902 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes international competition over China's fate during the period of Western imperial expansion in Asia. The anthropomorphic animals represent different imperial powers arguing about how to "protect" or exploit China (depicted as "Little Red Riding Hood"). The Russian bear is prominent, wearing military regalia and labeled "RUSSIA." Other powers appear eager to divide Chinese trade and territorial possessions, shown by the "TRADE POSSESSIONS" label visible in the image. The dark humor suggests these nations cynically debate China's "protection" while actually competing to consume it—they'll "eat" China regardless of their professed concerns. This reflects late-19th/early-20th-century anxieties about China's dismemberment through unequal treaties and spheres of influence imposed by Western and Russian imperial powers.