Final answer:
The Chinese had a negative reaction to European goods and ideas because they considered their own civilization superior and sufficient. European scientific knowledge impressed only a few, and other attempts, like trading silver and introducing new crops, eventually disrupted the existing balance of trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
When European explorers first arrived in China, the Chinese were not impressed with the goods and ideas they brought, indicating that the Chinese had a negative reaction to European goods and ideas (option d). This was largely because the Chinese civilization was highly advanced and self-sufficient and saw European culture as inferior. Despite the fact that some aspects of European scientific knowledge were recognized, the overall attitude towards Western advancements was dismissive. This sentiment was clearly demonstrated by the treatment of Lord George Macartney by Emperor Qianlong during his visit in 1793. However, Europeans eventually found a way to unbalance trade by trading silver and bringing new crops from the Americas like sweet potatoes and peanuts to China. Furthermore, the introduction of opium by the British East India Company created an addiction crisis and led to the Opium Wars, which eventually forced China to open its ports to foreign trade.