Which U.S. policy aimed to ensure equal trading rights in China?

The Open Door Policy was established in the late 19th century to address the competitive interests of various foreign powers in China. As several nations were establishing spheres of influence within China, the U.S. sought to ensure that it did not lose access to trade with this significant market. The policy proclaimed that all foreign nations should allow for equal trading opportunities for all countries in China, thereby promoting a level playing field.

This approach was significant in preventing any single nation from monopolizing trade routes and resources in China, which would have hindered U.S. economic interests in the region. The Open Door Policy reflected America’s commitment to free trade and its desire to expand its influence in Asia without direct territorial control. By championing the idea of equal access, the United States positioned itself as a defender of fair trade practices, especially in the face of more aggressive imperial ambitions from European nations and Japan.

The other options do not pertain specifically to the goal of equal trading rights in China. Isolationism refers to a policy of avoiding involvement in international affairs, while the Monroe Doctrine was aimed at preventing European intervention in the Americas. Sphere of Influence denotes areas where a particular country has exclusive rights, contrasting with the Open Door Policy's principle of equal access for all