Question

In the 1800s, to increase their exports and decrease their imports, the Chinese demanded the Europeans pay them in _______

Answer 1

Opium. China was a big manufacturer of opium and so getting payed in opium helped their exporting business because that's what they exported a lot of.

Answer 2

Correct answer:

opium

The Chinese demanded that Europeans pay them with opium to increase their exports and reduce their imports in the 19th century. China imported only 200 chests a year in the early 1700s and increased to 4500 during the 19th century. China has been the largest opium trader and you have a close relationship with opium.