By the terms of the diplomatic agreement, the United States received the same privileges with China that Great Britain had achieved under the Treaty of Nanking in 1842.

The United States received additional privileges as well, including the right to cabotage on preferential terms and the expansion of extraterritoriality.

Imperial China's Qing dynasty signed the treaty with the United States on July 3, 1844, in the Kun Iam Temple.

The United States was represented by Caleb Cushing, a Massachusetts lawyer dispatched by President John Tyler under pressure from American merchants concerned about British dominance in trade with China.

The Qing dynasty was represented by Keying, the Viceroy of Liangguang, who held responsibility for the provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi.