The Chinese government likely took a restrictive approach to foreign trade due to a desire to protect their own economy and maintain their own cultural identity. The Qianlong Emperor, who reigned from 1735 to 1796, was particularly concerned with the potential for foreign trade to disrupt the Chinese economy and culture. He believed that foreign trade could lead to an influx of foreign goods and ideas that could destabilize the Chinese economy and culture. He also feared that foreign traders would take advantage of the Chinese people and exploit them for their own gain. As a result, the Chinese government took a restrictive approach to foreign trade in order to protect their own interests.