Aha, so during the Opium Wars, in this battle, the US invaded China, killing hundreds of Chinese soldiers and capturing four forts, but you have some definition in your mind where "the opium wars didn't involve the US". The Chinese have a different opinion.
Also, "the US invaded the country to protect Americans there" is one of the oldest excuses for an invasion in the book. Just thinking of the Caribbean in the span of a few years, it was the stated reason for the US invasion of the Dominican Republic in 1965, and then Grenada in 1983 (the latter following days after the US invasion of Lebanon).
Also this was just one battle in the Opium Wars. The US fought alongside the English in the Battle of Taku Forts, as well as other skirmishes.
Also, "the US invaded the country to protect Americans there" is one of the oldest excuses for an invasion in the book. Just thinking of the Caribbean in the span of a few years, it was the stated reason for the US invasion of the Dominican Republic in 1965, and then Grenada in 1983 (the latter following days after the US invasion of Lebanon).
Also this was just one battle in the Opium Wars. The US fought alongside the English in the Battle of Taku Forts, as well as other skirmishes.