Open, frequent exchanges for better UK ties

As the British and Chinese governments concluded their latest strategic dialogue on Dec 20, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a Sino-British "golden era" amid the uncertainty created by Brexit, the world today looks very different from October 2015, when President Xi Jinping paid a high-profile state visit to the United Kingdom.

The first challenge 2016 brought to UK-China ties is Brexit, which will require the UK to develop its China policy without the benefits of a multi-layered approach where objectives were pursued both bilaterally and with the support of the more influential European Union. The UK will therefore find itself on the spot more with respect to China, whether on human rights or trade policy. This might also create opportunities for Beijing.

Most attention has focused on a free trade agreement, with business voices expressing support for such a move. However, caution is in order.