Final answer:
Lin Zexu requested the withdrawal of the opium trade from Great Britain. His measures against the trade led to the First Opium War, resulting in severe consequences for China, including the loss of Hong Kong and opening more ports to British trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The request made by Lin Zexu to Great Britain was for the withdrawal of the opium trade. Appointed as Imperial Commissioner by the Chinese Emperor, Lin set out to eradicate the opium trade due to the addiction problems it caused among the Chinese people and the consequent depletion of China's silver supply. His actions included the confiscation and destruction of opium caches, which ultimately prompted the British government to wage what became known as the First Opium War. The British military, utilizing vastly superior naval technology and firepower, defeated the outdated Chinese forces and imposed the Treaty of Nanjing on China, which included provisions such as surrendering Hong Kong to Britain, opening additional ports to European trade, and establishing an unequal trading status favorable to Britain.