A small comment: the cited sentence predates the Opium Wars by many decades and comes from a reply to a failed British diplomatic mission (Macartney mission). Though the events are certainly loosely connected.
“Our celestial empire possesses all things in abundance and lacks no product within its borders. There is therefore no need to import the manufactures of barbarians in exchange for our own products.”
Yes. And it became very clear to them, there was something they SHOULD have bought. Military Technology!
Yes. And it became very clear to them, there was something they SHOULD have bought. Military Technology!