Question

what did it mean when foreign diplomats \kowtowed\ to the chinese emperor or his representatives?
it meant that the diplomats relinquished all their rights in the forbidden city
it meant that the diplomats were showing respect for the chinese emperor.
it meant that foreign missionaries could no longer visit china.
it meant that the diplomats had full trading rights equal to those of china.

Explanation:

Kowtowing is a traditional act of showing respect in Chinese culture. When foreign diplomats kowtowed to the Chinese emperor or his representatives, it was a sign of respect. The other options are incorrect. Relinquishing all rights in the Forbidden City is not the meaning of kowtowing. Kowtowing has nothing to do with foreign missionaries not being able to visit China or having full trading rights equal to China.

Answer:

It meant that the diplomats were showing respect for the Chinese emperor.