The Opium War’s Enduring Legacy: How History Shapes Xi Jinping’s Trade Tensions with Trump

As China and the United States engage in a heated trade war, President Xi Jinping is drawing inspiration from a pivotal moment in his country's history: the Opium War. Specifically, he's looking to the courageous stance of Lin Zexu, a Qing dynasty official who dared to challenge British aggression, despite ultimately leading to China's humiliating defeat.In 1839, Lin Zexu, a high-ranking imperial commissioner, took a bold stand against British traders who were smuggling opium into China, fueling widespread addiction and social problems. When the British refused to comply with his demands to cease the opium trade, Lin took drastic action, confiscating a large shipment of opium and destroying it in a public spectacle. This brazen move sparked a furious response from the British, who launched a military campaign against China, marking the beginning of the First Opium War.The war ended in a crushing defeat for China, with the British extracting concessions, including the forced opening of Chinese ports to European trade and the cession of Hong Kong. The Treaty of Nanjing, signed in 1842, imposed unequal terms on China, stripping the country of its sovereignty and paving the way for decades of foreign domination.Despite the disastrous outcome, Lin Zexu's unwavering determination and patriotism earned him a revered place in Chinese history as a national hero. His courage in the face of foreign pressure has been invoked by Chinese leaders, including Xi Jinping, as a symbol of resistance against foreign encroachment.Xi has often referenced Lin Zexu in speeches and meetings, highlighting the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity in the face of external pressures. In a 2017 address, Xi noted that Lin's actions, though unsuccessful in the short term, represented a crucial moment in China's struggle for rejuvenation.As China navigates the current trade tensions with the United States, Xi is likely drawing parallels between Lin's stand against British aggression and China's current confrontations with Trump. The Communist Party's official narrative emphasizes the need for China to stand firm against foreign coercion and protect its economic interests.By invoking Lin Zexu's legacy, Xi aims to rally domestic support for his trade policies, while also signaling to Washington that China will not be easily intimidated. The reference to Lin's defiance also serves as a reminder to the Chinese people of the country's long history of resistance against foreign powers, bolstering Xi's efforts to promote a narrative of Chinese resurgence.However, as China and the United States engage in delicate trade negotiations, it's clear that Xi's calculus is not simply about emulating Lin's bravado. Rather, he's seeking to balance national pride with pragmatic considerations, as China strives to protect its economic interests while avoiding a catastrophic trade war.The Opium War's legacy continues to shape China's relations with the world, influencing Xi Jinping's calculations as he navigates the complex trade tensions with Donald Trump. As China charts its course through these turbulent waters, Lin Zexu's example serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of national sovereignty, dignity, and resilience in the face of foreign pressure.