The lecture started with the introduction of the aftermath of the Opium war in Hong Kong and

showed pictures. The presentor talked about the trade war between Britain and China caused
by the deficit experienced by higher imports on Britain's part. China had a large surplus because
tea found ready market in Britain while British products had been unsalable. Britain sent an
ambassador to push China's Qing emperor to buy more products to which the emperor said no.
The East Indian company forced Bangladesh farmers to plant opium and sell it to China. Chinese
rejected all the products expect opium and their economy suffered as more people were
consuming opium. Failed in harsh diplomacy, British merchants began to smuggle opium to
weaken China and balance trade. Nearly one third income of Britain was from opium. This
collapsed the Chinese silver, they were dens of opium and people smoked in group.

Lin Zexu, a very famous minister started the fight against opium, he was appointed as imperial
inspector, he gave a 3 days ultimatum to sellers to stop or face the consequences. He even sent
a letter to Queen Victoria. British Chief Business officer Charles collected opium from British
merchants and turned in to Lin, in total 20280 boxes.

Lin Zexu destroyed the collected opium at the beach of Humen, this reduced the use of opium
and made people aware of its danger but the harm done to businessmen caused the Opium war.

This started the Opium war, British fleet with 20K soldiers blocked the mouth of Pearl River,
attacking China and defeating Chinese army. Nanjing treaty was signed, ceding Hongkong. China
became a semi colonial and semi feudalist society.

Second opium war, British and French allies conquered Beijing, took treasures from Yuanming
garden then burden it. Russia forced the Qing Dynasty to sede 150 million km square, Beijing
treaty was signed after.

1950, orgers given to forbig opium. Over 80 thousand dealers were arrested, 20million were
used to help people quit the drug.

The prisons sentences of drugs use (regulations)

China : Zero tolerance policy