Final answer:
European countries controlled trade in Asia from 1450 to 1750 predominantly through force of arms and conquest, rather than solely through economic competition or diplomacy. The Canton system was the Qing dynasty's approach to managing foreign trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
From 1450 to 1750, European countries sought to control trade in Asia primarily by force of arms and conquest. They did not limit themselves to diplomatic relations or merely through economic competition, and certainly, their efforts were not aimed at ending China's tribute system, which was a form of international trade centered around ceremonial gifts to the Chinese court.
The European approach was often one of establishing their own colonies, as seen with the Dutch in Indonesia and the Spanish in the Philippines, and by controlling strategic ports to monopolize spice and luxury goods trade, which sometimes involved direct conflict with local powers.
The Canton system was a method by which the Qing dynasty controlled trade, specifically tailored to manage foreign trade by confining it to the Canton (Guangzhou) region. This system allowed the Chinese government to maintain a measure of control over commerce and limit foreign influence while reaping economic benefits.