Answer:
D. European traders refused to pay tribute.
Explanation:
China in the 16th and 17th centuries was a political and economic power in the East. Under the Qing Dynasty, the country witnessed an increase in it's influence on Asia. In the 16th century, Europe began to trade in Chinese harbors, but at that time, the Qing Dynasty was worried about foreign influence (it's neighbor Japan would suffer the issue years later). Then, they agreed to trade with European countries, but under the condition that they had to obey China's laws. One of these laws were about the tribute, and the European powers didn't accept these tax. According to them, it was an unfair practice.
