How did china start trading with the west?

Answer 1

China began trading with the West in the 16th century, primarily through the Portuguese, who established trade routes to Asia. The Ming Dynasty's interest in silver and luxury goods facilitated this engagement. By the 18th century, the British East India Company expanded trade, introducing opium to China, which led to increased interactions. This culminated in the Opium Wars of the mid-19th century, resulting in significant concessions and opening of trade ports to Western powers.