The British's interests in the Far East during the 19th century lay in the valuable China trade and in the security of the commercial routes by which that trade was exploited. The entrepots along the sea routes through the Indian Ocean, the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea were the British main focus. The initial interest drew the British in Borneo, especially to the eastern and northern parts of the island that face the South China Sea. But it was not until after 1860 that the British exerted their dominance over this route which connected Singapore to China. The other factor that motivated this move was the threats posted by other powers who were increasing their activities in this area.

When James Brooke arrived in Sarawak in 1839 the Malays of that southernmost province of the Sultanate of Brunei were in rebellion. Brooke, son of an East India Company servant and himself a former officer of the Bengal regiment, aided the Brunei Raja, Muda Hasim, in putting down the rebellion in 1840 and 1841. As part of the bargain, Sarawak was handed over to Brooke to rule, and the Sultan confirmed the transfer in 1842. Brooke was an English gentleman of private means, who had quipped his own expedition. Orginally he had no political interest in the area but had been to Borneo by his curiosity

about the eastern seas. During the following years, Brooke, who took the title of Raja, busied himself establishing a firm but benevolent government of natives supervised by Englishman.

He succeeded also in establishing a strong British influence upon the northwest coast of Borneo. Sarawak prospered under Brooke rule. Brooke's arrival in Borneo coincided with a demand by merchant of Singapore for a British port on the northwest coast of Borneo. They felt this was necessary as a defence against pirates and for the promotion of trade. From 1841 Brooke urged Britain to establish a naval station, colony, or protectorate on the coast of Borneo to frestall any other power from doing so. Others interested in Eastern affairs warned the government to take notice of foreign interests in Borneo.