Yep, fully aware of the history of mercantilist triangular trade in cotton/opium/textiles/silver between Manchester/India/China & the East India company.
Notice I said that likely they had a tight connection to the CCP? I should have been more precise, its the graveyard of the outsider white businessman. Swire are don't want competition, they never have & will ruthlessly protect their patch. A quick google search will reveal the sordid history of the family. They are fully integrated into the power structure of the region.