Home Analysis The Third Opium War AnalysisRegional DirectoryAsia PacificDeep DiveEuropeUnited States The Third Opium War By Jacob L. Shapiro - January 10, 2019 2541 To understand China’s current confrontation with the West over trade, historical context is key. This article is for subscribers only Join thousands of readers who rely on GPF for clear-eyed geopolitical analysis. $89 per year Save 18% vs. monthly ✓Full access to all daily analysis & forecasts ✓George Friedman's geopolitical insights ✓2026 Forecast & Special Collection on the Middle East ✓100% reader-supported Subscribe Now 30-day money-back guarantee Already a subscriber? Log in RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR Analysis Daily Memo: Ceasefire in Iran, Defense Changes in France Americas Daily Memo: Update on Iran Strikes, US Access to British Bases Analysis Daily Memo: China Issues Peculiar Airspace Restrictions, Oil Cartel Raises Quotas Latest Posts China and the Iran NegotiationsFREE Analysis George Friedman - April 6, 2026 Continue to the category The Iran War and the Rewiring of West Asia Analysis Kamran Bokhari - April 9, 2026 Artemis and the Space Warfare FrontierFREE Video Geopolitical Futures - April 8, 2026