Media views

Today, British policy on China is dictated by the Treasury under George Osborne, whose rush to embrace modern China may well define his career and the history of Britain in the early 21st century.

It would of course be foolish not to engage with China. Every country in the world does so. Indeed, France and Germany have been ahead of Britain in recent years in seeking "special" relations with China. But the pursuit, particularly by the chancellor, George Osborne, of best friend forever status with China has gone beyond the usual jockeying for advantage between European states in Beijing. The Cameron government appears to have something much more comprehensive and long-term in mind.

In September, Chancellor George Osborne put together a brochure of projects worth &24 billion (&37 billion) for Chinese investment. They include a new shopping district in Birmingham, homes and offices in Sheffield, a new Chinatown in Liverpool, and "Science Central"-a "living laboratory" of homes and shops in Newcastle.