to force its export. These fears were exacerbated by American diplomats such as Townsend Harris that described opium as "the one great enemy of China" and that it "injures like the most deadly poison". The Meiji government strictly prohibited importation, possession and usage of opium except for medicinal purposes until 1868. Opium smoking in Japan was a rare occurrence and the punishment of the practice strict. During the cessation of Taiwan to Japan, opium smoking was regarded as one of the "Three vices" along with foot binding and the queue hairstyle that should be abolished. The Prime Minister at the negotiation of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, Itō Hirobumi expressed that "There have been people living in Taiwan long before the arrival of opium,” and that "The Japanese government will definitely prohibit opium after occupying Taiwan". However, there were fears that the practice may spread to Japan from Taiwan and also concerns that punishing opium usage could lead to anti-Japanese sentiment from Taiwanese locals. Itō Hirobumi also expressed the contemporary Japanese view that that widespread opium usage was factor in Qing China's decline, stating "Opium smokers are rather lazy, and therefore soldiers cannot be at their best". Annexation of Taiwan from China In 1894 the Sino-Japanese War began over Japan's invasion of Korea. The Qing Dynasty was underprepared for the war and was overwhelmed by the power and force of the Japanese fleet. China was left humiliated by their defeat and in 1895 signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki which conceded Taiwan to Japanese rule in perpetuity. Taiwan was officially named Formosa under Japanese rule. The Taiwanese rebelled against the promise of Japanese rule and on 25 May 1895 established the ‘Republic of Formosa’. On 29 May over 12,000 Japanese troops arrived in Taiwan and begun disbanding the Taiwanese movement for independence. The 'Republic of Formosa was officially defeated in October 1895 and Japanese occupation of Taiwan commenced. The Japanese government viewed Taiwan as a resource for Japan's industries and saw an opportunity for a colonial market of Japanese goods and services which could improve the Japanese economy. The Japanese government's opium policies throughout 1895 to 1945 were highly controversial given Taiwan's long history with opium smoking. As well as the innate political and economic motivations of the Japanese government in interfering with the practice. Taiwan's long history with opium is strongly associated with Taiwan's close relationship with China throughout history. Formosa