When the BE invented steam engine for boats they think it was a great invention. Want to sell to China but Chinese invented the steam engine already. For making iron melting ore.
The idea failed and BE bankrupted and need money to try use gas and petrol.... turn to drug money sell opium to Chins to fund the petrol invention.
The ICE, internal combustion engine, actually failed but insist to make it work but no money to fund and turn to opium trade in China for drug money, criminal money....
You only sell opium to rich country.... try sell opium to poor country they will grow themselves ..