WORLD HISTORY

HISTORY

IMPERIALISM ASIA

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Which of the following statements is not one of Lin Zexu’s key points in his letter to Queen Victoria?
A
English citizens living and trading in China should follow Chinese laws.
B
If trade between China and Britain is to continue, British traders must stop selling opium in China.
C
The goods that China sells to other countries are beneficial instead of harmful.
D
China will prohibit foreigners from living in China if these visitors do not convert to Confucianism.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -The letter announced that China would no longer tolerate the selling of opium and would take actions against traders. Commissioner Lin’s words, which treat Britain as a tributary state dependent on the benevolence of China, reflect the arrogance China had towards the outside world.

Detailed explanation-2: -Lin Zexu’s “Letter of Advice to Queen Victoria” was written before the outbreak of the Opium Wars. It was a remarkably frank document, especially given the usual highly stylized language of Chinese diplomacy. There remains some question whether Queen Victoria ever read the letter.

Detailed explanation-3: -In 1839, Chinese people represented by Lin Zexu launched the first large-scale anti-opium campaign in human history. Over 1, 150, 000 kg of opium was destroyed publicly on the beach of Humen, Guangdong. The world was shocked.

Detailed explanation-4: -The right of foreigners to reside in China is a special favor granted by the Celestial Empire, and the profits they have made are those realized in China. As time passes by, some of them stay in China for a longer period than they do in their own country.

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