In the News
China – The UK’s New BFF

23rd October 2015
So, Chinese President Xi Jinping has now left the UK after his very visible state visit – but it has not been without some controversy. The UK Government has faced some criticism about how heavily it is courting the Chinese in order to tap into their economic power whilst playing down any concerns that we might have over human rights issues within the Republic. Just as selling arms to Saudi Arabia brings criticism, so has the UK’s involvement with China.
The United States indicated some surprise at the apparent closeness of the economic and political links between the London and Beijing. Perhaps that criticism comes from a very close ally, slightly worried that the UK may be finding a new best friend forever?
Ultimately, as very succinctly put in this short video, the size and power of the Chinese economy would appear to be a huge lure for the UK. One interesting aside, however, is the fact that the Chinese are keen for the UK to remain within the EU, whilst increasing ties with the Chinese allows the UK to position itself as less reliant on its European neighbours.
Economic students should, of course, stick to economics when making discussing the relationship between the UK and China. However, there is no harm in making an evaluative point (as part of an extended answer) that political concerns will have an impact on our society’s desire to trade with other nations.
You might also like

China's population falls for first time since 1961
17th January 2023
Demography and Development (Introduction)
Topic Videos

Global Economy - Are we in the New Age of Autarky?
15th November 2022

Can China’s electric car boom last?
11th October 2022

Middle Income Trap - Five reasons why China's economy is in trouble
5th October 2022

China slowing - is the centre of economic gravity shifting again?
27th September 2022

Globalisation - Apple shifts iPhone production from China to India
27th September 2022