Media rekindle keenness in UK's China business

Back in the US at the time, the media were stressing the fact that Xi would face an uncomfortable ride from US President Barack Obama on two fronts - Chinese activities in the South China Sea and cyberattacks, allegedly by China-based hackers on US companies and federal institutions. That may be dealt with by a deal between China and the US not to use cyberattacks against vital infrastructure in peacetime.

If both sides want to make it easier to invest in each other's economy, then Obama is facing strong political and popular pressure not to ease the rules.

In the UK, however, Prime Minister David Cameron and Osborne are determined to make Britain China's largest trading partner after the US by 2025.

If Xi meets headwinds in the US, then in the UK he will be pushing against an open door, as the local saying here goes. British ministers have taken to the airwaves to woo Chinese investors, whether it's through nuclear power, offering to allow China to be lead builder at several sites, or in the proposed high-speed rail link, known as HS2, which will link London with the north of the country, now referred to in the media as the northern powerhouse.

In turn, Osborne is praising China's Belt and Road Initiative, and wants British companies to be involved in infrastructure construction along the two routes, according to the FT.

US media seem to reflect that country's reserve when it comes to China. Britain, on the other hand, has been dealing with China through ups and downs ever since the 18th century.

Britain's love affair with China is, it seems, being rekindled at all levels, albeit with a difference.

The author is the managing editor of China Daily Europe. chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com