Final answer:
During the period of imperialism, European countries like Britain, Portugal, Germany, France, and Russia sought to gain control over different regions of China to establish trade advantages and territorial control.
Step-by-step explanation:
In China, the European countries controlling trade in different regions of China were referred to as imperialism or the European scramble for colonies in China. During this time, European powers such as Britain, Portugal, Germany, France, and Russia sought to gain control over certain areas in China, including ports and trade routes. This resulted in the carving out of spheres of influence and the establishment of colonies by these European powers.
For example, Britain gained control of most of central China through the Opium Wars, while other European powers such as Portugal, Germany, France, and Russia also sought to gain territorial control and trade advantages in China. Overall, the European countries' control over trade in different regions of China was part of a larger historical period of imperialism and colonization, where European powers sought to expand their influence and control over territories around the world.