The Opium WarThe Opium War, led by Jin Xie, provides a rather impartial account of the Opium War, beginning with the appointment of Lin Zexu to end the opium trade in China until the Treaty of Nanking was signed. This film appears to accurately depict the failings of the Chinese and British during the 1830s and up to 1842. That said, the Opium War illustrates two important factors that both helped promote conflict and eventual military confrontation between China and Great Britain. The first is the state of the Chinese government at the time of the opium trade. There was enough corruption within the government itself that it was very difficult to stop the trade at the source. The trading company that dealt with British merchants often had to bribe officials with opium to conduct business. Not only did this incentivize local authorities to continue allowing the trade, but it also made it difficult to trace and prosecute all parties involved. When Lin Zexu saw the accounts, he couldn't believe that so many officials were involved, and he went so far as to say that prosecuting them all would mean he would have to "kill all the officials in Guangzhou." In fact, even some of his own officials were opium users, forcing Lin Zexu to bend the rules, claiming that "to err is human." If it was difficult enough to stamp out the opium trade from China, it was even more difficult for the Chinese government to do so. accept the demands of the British. At this time in history, China had become overconfident and considered itself the greatest power in the world. This type of arrogant and decrepit government manifests itself in the old and frail officials who advise the emperor on actions against the British. Even after an initial attack and with war looming between the two nations, China was still so sure of its power that the emperor, instead of asking for a truce, “granted” a truce to the British. At this point however, it is interesting to note that the Chinese government's intentions remain somewhat unclear. Officials were apparently divided over whether to appease the British or wage open war. However, as China negotiated with Britain, it appears that the Chinese were eager to appease all demands because they were already unsure of their ability to defend against a naval attack..