Thorsten Benner, director at the Global Public Policy Institute in Berlin, explained that the trade deal results from Europe’s security weaknesses, its neglected military investment over 20 years, and its shortfalls in technology development and market integration. Similarly, Europe’s dismissal of warning signs recalls the Qing leadership’s historical oversights. Sabine Weyand, trade director-general at the European Commission, expressed regret about Europe ignoring a wake-up call from the first Trump administration, stressing the need for vigilance during a panel at the European Forum Alpbach. This sentiment was voiced before Trump’s recent tech rules critique.
An image captioned “After its defeat by the British in the First Opium War, the Qing dynasty signed a treaty in 1842 that condemned China to more than 100 years of foreign oppression and colonial control of trade policy” appeared with the article.
Trump’s unpredictable tariffs promise further challenges for the 27-nation EU, which must minimize its reliance on the U.S. in defense, tech, and finance to avoid sustained humiliation.
Stormy waters
The Treaty of Nanking in 1842 forced China to yield Hong Kong, pay an indemnity, and accept certain tariff conditions. Five “treaty ports” opened for British trade, marking the start of China’s “century of humiliation” due to enforced opium dealings, influencing its strategic decisions to date.
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