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China's decision to execute drug-trafficking Brit has a historical background
The London News.Net
Wednesday 30th December, 2009 (ANI)
London, Dec. 30 : The Chinese warning that Britain's protest against the execution of drug trafficking-accused British citizen, Akmal Shaikh, could harm diplomatic ties between the two countries, has its roots in the historical China-Britain Opium Wars in the 19th century.
An official statement from the Chinese embassy said the "strong resentment" felt by the Chinese public to drug traffickers was in part based on "the bitter memory of history".
The Telegraph quoted Jonathan Fenby, the author of The Penguin History of Modern China, as saying that the statement was a reference to the two Opium Wars fought between China and Great Britain and its allies in the middle of the 19th century and the wider opium trade.
The trade in opium, often grown in India, boomed in China despite efforts to ban it with large amounts of the drugs being shipped into the country by British merchants.
Attempts by the Chinese government to disrupt the trade were met with force and Britain twice went to war to protect its stranglehold on the market.
British merchants forced the Chinese to grant them access to Chinese ports and won the right for their citizens to be exempt from Chinese law.
"The unequal treaties, as they became known, caused a great deal of resentment in late 19th century and 20th century China among Chinese nationalists," Fenby said.
"If you spoke to the average 20 or 30-something Chinese person they would say the British forced us to take opium. It is established as part of the historical story," he added.
Shaikh's execution triggered strong criticism from British Prime Minister Gordon Brown who said in a statement that he was "appalled".
On Tuesday, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry expressed China's anger at the British Government's response to the death sentence.
"Nobody has the right to speak ill of China's judicial sovereignty. We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition over the groundless British accusations. We hope that the British side can view this matter rationally and not create new obstacles in bilateral relations," said Jiang Yu.  Email this story to a friend
Comments on this story
RGL
12-30-09, 01:59 PM |
China's decision to execute drug-trafficking Brit has a historical background
I absolutely agree. Why would the brits get different treatment? Drugs and corruption were what brought down the Ching dynasty in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The subsequent annexation of Hong Kong was the immediate outcome, and a century of suffering was the ultimate consequence. Yes, China will enforce and carry out its law when it comes to drug trafficking and corruption.
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Backgammon
12-30-09, 02:13 PM |
Murder of the mentally ill.
In executing a mentally ill man, China has failed in it’s duty to represent the shared values of the developed world.
For these reasons, today I have instructed the board of my own manufacturing business to cancel our orders with Chinese suppliers, in favour of Indian and Bangladeshi companies.
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2010
12-30-09, 05:57 PM |
drug-trafficking Brit
What is wrong with UK government? The UK government is supporting a crime again that they have done in 19th century started Opium War with China! The Chinese will never forget their painful history!
So, do not tell the Chinese what
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Alidias
12-30-09, 06:27 PM |
Economic retaliation
Like 'Backgammon' (who I assume is EU), I also own business in EU. I have also cut off all Chinese suppliers today. It makes me sad, I know one has gone out of business today as result, but death penalty is always wrong when against mental illness. Have replaced Chinese manufacturers with Sri Lankan and Indian.
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LookForward
12-30-09, 07:07 PM |
drug-trafficking Brit
The execution of the drug-trafficking Brit should serve as a reminder that no one be they foreigners or Chinese are above the Law. This ZERO tolerance is and must be applied across the board for any anti-drug policy to be truly effective. Regardless of the historical background of this case in point, every country should begin to look at the growing drug problems and the deteriorating impact on society. Looking at this case objectively, the two possibilities are:
1) He was innocent, he was mentally ill etc., someone duped him into doing this. Well, if he had gotten off, this would definitely encourage others to try this approach and the problem would begin to compound exponentially. Just look at all the problems with drug-trafficking at the US-Mexican border. Look at the ongoing gang violence, murders, assasinations taking place over drugs, not to mention the cost of billions of dollars to fighting this problem. Is this something that’s positive?
2) He is guilty and his execution was justly served.
Looking forward, whilst it is always a
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Anonymous
12-30-09, 07:51 PM |
drugie brit
way to go china, you did what you said would be done. that takes guts,and the strength of a 1st world power..
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Anonymous
12-30-09, 10:56 PM |
Every time when a brit-prick breaks law abroad and gets prosecuted, he/she is treated like a hero no matter what he/she has done.
I think this will be just the beginning. As China’s economy grows, so will it’s muscle in international affairs. It will flex its muscle and will ignore internationally accepted norms. Britain is no long an powerful empire now, China will do what it wants.
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Wang Lu
12-31-09, 12:13 AM |
The 3rd Opium War
Are you saying that drugs and corruption was made by the Brits to bring down the Chinese Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries? So here’s the trio on that deal - the third opium wars of the 21st Century.
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Hank
12-31-09, 03:37 AM |
Britain.. or EU?
Some of the points above suggest that EU firms are, collectively, planning to avoid dealing with Chinese suppliers. The EU (even if not Britain alone) is vital to China’s export economy. (But the EU exports very little to China).
I returned from the EU (Belgium) yesterday, and confirm that sentiment 'on the ground' is generally to give business to none-Chinese suppliers evn if the costs are higher or the quality slightly lower.
Im sure this sentiment will, eventually, pass. But how many Chinese businesses will go under before this? Many manufacturers of semi-finished goods export ONLY to the EU.
I have also heard anecdotal evidence that British People have been encouraged to avoid Chinese restaurants and take-away shops in favour of Indian or Italian establishments.
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laxextra
01-02-10, 07:58 PM |
keep your drug-tinted bussiness to yourselves
Hey, Hank, Alidias and other losers alike:
Execution of the drug trafficker would save many lives that could have been ruined by the heroin brought in by this drug trafficker. The lives of Chinese people are worth alot more than the low life of the drug trafficker and the few bucks from your so-called
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laxextra
01-02-10, 08:00 PM |
keep your drug-tinted bussiness to yourselves
Hey, Hank, Alidias and other losers alike: Execution of the drug trafficker would save many lives that could have been ruined by the heroin brought in by this drug trafficker. The lives of Chinese people are worth alot more than the low life of the drug trafficker and the few bucks from your so-called
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