China deal: Let's hope agreement opens doors for UK
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of the most often quoted economic factoids is that the UK does more business with Ireland than with China. In part this is a misunderstanding as it is purely a matter of proximity.
Nonetheless, the UK's share of key Chinese markets is pitifully small – smaller even that its overall share of world trade. A visitor to China will see little evidence of a healthy market for British goods – only the usual standbys of luxury cars and whisky. The real problem is ours rather than China's and it is why we have run a disappointing trade balance for years. The short-term solution appears to be selling expensive chunks of central London real estate to China's burgeoning elite. I hope their leadership will allow more of our accountants and lawyers to do business over there but it will be a hard sell.
Sean O'Grady
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments