Home Analysis The Third Opium War AnalysisRegional DirectoryAsia PacificDeep DiveEuropeUnited States The Third Opium War By Jacob L. Shapiro - January 10, 2019 2534 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. $79 per year Save 27% 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 Americas Daily Memo: Trump on Cuba, Pakistani Airstrikes Analysis Daily Memo: Trade Disruptions, Trump Calls on Allies Analysis George Answers Your Questions: A Summary of the Iran War, So Far Latest Posts Geopolitics, War and IranFREE Analysis George Friedman - March 17, 2026 Continue to the category Daily Memo: Trump on Cuba, Pakistani Airstrikes Americas Geopolitical Futures - March 17, 2026 The War is Evolving: George Friedman on Miscalculations in IranFREE Video Geopolitical Futures - March 16, 2026