Opium Agreement (1911)

The Opium Agreement of 1911 was an understanding among Western powers—primarily Britain and China—aimed at regulating the opium trade. Recognizing the health and social issues caused by widespread opium use, the agreement sought to limit exports, control its distribution, and eventually phase out opium imports. It marked a shift from open trade to more controlled, restrictive policies, reflecting international pressure to address the harms of opium addiction while balancing economic interests. Essentially, it was an early effort to regulate and reduce the harmful effects of opium through international cooperation.