European colonization in Indochina had significant effects, but the most accurate statement regarding its impact is:
Imperial powers extracted resources to export for their own financial benefit.
Colonial powers such as France established control over regions in Indochina primarily to exploit natural resources, such as rubber, rice, and minerals, which were then exported to benefit the colonial economies. While there were investments in infrastructure and education, these often served the colonial goals rather than significantly benefiting the local populations. Indigenous peoples generally did not benefit from the economic systems created by colonial powers; instead, they often faced exploitation and marginalization. Additionally, democratic governance based on European models did not take root in the region until much later, following independence movements.