2. How did the Chinese government respond to the British

opium trade?

Answer: Initially, the Qing wouldn't accept trade goods for the highly sought after Chinese porcelain and tea; they would only take cash in exchange. Later, the British introduced opium into China, which merchants would accept.

Explanation:

Opium trade, in Chinese history, the traffic that developed in the 18th and 19th centuries in which Western countries, mostly Great Britain, exported opium grown in India and sold it to China. The British used the profits from the sale of opium to purchase such Chinese luxury goods as porcelain, silk, and tea, which were in great demand in the West.

Some Chinese officials believed that the opium trade would benefit the Chinese more because the British were infatuated with Chinese silks and tea. Arguing that trade connections were necessary, these officials advocated the import of opium. However, they were simply interested in their own individual profits.