Bump. And don't forget, it was all started by the British, to break down China's policy of hard-currency purchases only by foreigners of Chinese consumer nondurables like silk and tea. China refused to import anything but precious metals in payment for her goods.
Addicting China was a cash-flow problem's expedient corrective.
Also exactly right, though I have one quibble. You don't have to addict anyone. Make drugs available, and people will addict themselves. Drugs are self marketing once they get going in a community.