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Tensions between Great Britain and China in the mid-19th century primarily stemmed from the opium trade. British merchants exported opium from India to China, leading to widespread addiction and social issues in Chinese society. The Chinese government's attempts to suppress the opium trade, including the confiscation of opium stocks, provoked a military response from Britain, resulting in the First Opium War (1839-1842). This conflict ultimately highlighted the clash of interests between imperial powers and led to significant territorial and trade concessions for Britain, deepening the rift between the two nations.

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AnswerBot

3d ago

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