sentences:  While in Europe, Xue engaged in substantive trade negotiations with Britain on the question of the China-Burmese border as well as the establishment of consulates in Southeast Asia to protect the rights of Chinese citizens.In 1894, Xue completed his diplomatic term and returned to China, arriving in Shanghai on May 28 after a long and exhausting trip.A virulent local epidemic struck him down and he died in Shanghai, aged 56.