Regional focus as PM visits Chengdu

On Wednesday, UK Prime Minister David Cameron will visit Chengdu along with other ministers and a business delegation, a signal that the UK is eyeing a much broader China than just coastal areas and the nation's capital.

Chengdu is the only city in West China that has a direct flight to London. With a surging GDP and a well-developed transportation system, it is arguably the most dynamic city in the western region.

Chengdu's ongoing transformation from traditional industry and manufacturing to a center for high-tech and service sectors is what the UK is looking for in a regional partner.