Question

How did trade help the Europeans gain political control of parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, and India

Answer 1

It allowed them to establish contact and a military presence in the area. As a result, they could easily take over from weak local rulers when the opportunity arose.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

The Europeans needed to get some items such as opium, silk and spices from China and also from Vietnam and also some other products from various Southeast Asian countries and Islands.

Whenever they moved into these countries they established trading posts. This trading posts made it possible for them to establish a military presence in the area.