Opium and Tea: Imperial Exchanges and the Strategic Positioning of British India Relations with China
Keywords:
China, Opium Wars, Tea Trade, British India, Sino-British Relations, Imperial Policy, East India CompanyAbstract
The influence of Britain upon the Chinese and Indian economies is discussed through the analysis of the interaction between trade, diplomacy, and inner dynamics during this time period. The article focuses on the interaction between Britain, China and British India from the middle of nineteenth century to the middle of twentieth century. The main features of Sino-British relations were determined by the development of the British Empire, the problems in China and their influence on the neighbouring countries. The main role of Britain played the British East India Company, especially the activity of the company in trading, particularly in opium trade, which affected greatly the Chinese economy. The main historical events, which were used for research, were mentioned at the key points: The Opium Wars and the subsequent agreements, which favored the British interests in this region. Besides, the research deals with the role of British India in the trans-Himalayan trade, which connected India and China with Tibet, Nepal and other neighbours.
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