Which country's colonial activities in East Asia most resembled the British practices described in the passage?

The choice of the Netherlands as the country whose colonial activities in East Asia most resembled British practices is correct because the Dutch were heavily involved in trade and established a significant presence in the region, particularly through the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Like the British, the Dutch emphasized commercial interests, focusing on trade networks, market control, and profitability rather than extensive territorial colonization. This approach involved the establishment of trading posts and the integration of local economies into a broader Dutch trading system.

In contrast, France, Spain, and Portugal had different colonial strategies that leaned more towards direct territorial control and the establishment of large colonial empires that often included significant settlement and cultural imposition in their colonies. For example, French practices in Asia focused more on direct political control and cultural assimilation, while Spain's colonial efforts were characterized by extensive missionary activities and attempts to convert indigenous populations. Portugal, although initially a significant player in East Asia, became more focused on local alliances and trade monopolies rather than the assertive commercial strategies employed by the British and Dutch. Therefore, the Dutch approach is most aligned with Britain's practices in the region.