This blog backs the UK’s new foreign policy 100%. Yes of course there are things about the way China is run which we do not like and no doubt the reverse is also true. But this brave foreign policy initiative, the first by the UK on an historic scale for fifty years or more, which is independent of the United States, is based upon a much older theme and one which drove the creation of the Empire. The theme is not ideological confrontation. It self interest founded on trade and economic development. It is a foreign policy driven by the treasury rather than the defence ministry. If Osborne, Cameron and Hammond can build a special relationship with China it will not only open up new economic prospects, but it will also redefine the nature of the UK as a world power.
America has always followed a policy of confrontation and challenge, even with the UK, from whom it bust apart by force of arms. Britain is a much smaller country and it had to carve its place in the world by making friends and influencing people through trade and mutual interest. This brought about a great empire. When that faded, we were too inclined to cling to America as our source of strength. Without deserting our American family, we can help ourselves a good deal by branching out. In the end we will be more use to America that way.