 Shufeldt had first visited Japanese officials in 1880, to see if they would mediate between American officials and the Koreans, but the Japanese did not respond to his offer.In 1880, following Chinese advice, King Gojong decided to establish diplomatic ties with the United States, which was a break with tradition.Shufeldt then traveled to Tianjin, where he met with Li Hongzhang, who negotiated on behalf of the Koreans at the talks.