Answer:
Through military attacks and threats.
Explanation:
The European nations such as Britain, France, Germany, and Russia were able to take control of China through spheres of influence by using "military attacks and threats and in turn to sign unequal treaties and long term land leases.
Starting from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, France took over the sphere in Southwest China, Germany took Shandong Province, Russian took the northern part of the Great wall, while Britain tool over the whole Yangtze River valley
