Lao Tang believes that as China people, we must keep in mind the following three lessons to avoid repeating history:
First, in the face of a trade war, we must first introspect. We should reflect on whether our trade system and trade policy are flawed, and if so, we should correct them. There were many problems in the trade system of the Qing dynasty, but the Qing court was arrogant and certainly would not reflect on itself, which not only lost the opportunity to strengthen itself, but also intensified the contradictions between the two sides.
Second, in the face of trade wars, we must promote opening up. Sino-western trade added vitality to the stagnant Qing economy. The Qing government didn't realize this, and when it was in trouble, it rashly closed its doors to the outside world. Needless to say, this will have a negative impact on itself and Sino-British relations, and will trigger resistance from other countries. The United States, France and other countries that had trade relations with China were deeply dissatisfied, and the Qing Dynasty was isolated.
Third, in the face of trade wars, national defense should be vigilant. When trade conflicts are irreconcilable, the possibility of a military war increases dramatically, and we must not take it lightly. The Qing court was so careless about the external situation that even the wisest Lin Zexu thought that the British did not dare to launch it. And the result? The war fell from the sky, and the national defense of Manchu was almost blank, which could only end in fiasco.