[nzmsv]

In 1890s? In other words, soon after China lost the second Opium War. The British took Hong Kong and secured their right to poison the populace with opium. Are you sure colonialism was not at play?

[hintymad]

Up to 1890s. It's not like the Qing people were pursuing modern civilization like crazy and the course was reversed by the Opium War or whatever.