Networking relationships in the future

Mutual benefit and not criticism and mistrust should be the crux of the relations that Western nations forge with China, says Stephen Perry, a leading British businessman and an old China hand.

"China is always in transition and will be so for another 30 years or so. It is important to pay heed to what the Chinese leaders are saying, because this gives a fair inkling of the country's future moves," says Perry, the chairman of the 48 Group Club, an independent business network committed to promoting links with China.

Although the 65-year-old businessman and managing director of London Export Corp has been a regular visitor to China since 1972, he still continues to be amazed by China's transformation.