Thoma Pereira (1645-1708), a Portuguese, joined the Society of Jesus in 1633 and arrived inMacaoin 1672. Later, he went toBeijingand was appointed into the astronomy and calendar department of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) government, responsible for the revision of the calendar and acting as the imperial musician.
In 1689, he acted as the interpreter for the Chinese delegation during the Sino-Russia negotiations on borderline, helping protectChina's interests. The treaty signed safeguardedChina's sovereignty and his performance won the respect from the emperor.
In 1706, he became the deputy head of the China Parish of the Society of Jesus. Later, he died inBeijing.
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