David Cameron will lead a high-powered UK business and government mission to China today in an attempt to boost trade and exports with the world’s second-largest economy before this week’s Group of 20 summit in South Korea.
The UK prime minister, who offended Beijing early in his premiership by giving responsibility for China relations to Nick Clegg, his deputy, is now taking back the role and seeking a “partnership for growth” with the Chinese.
Mr Cameron will be accompanied by 43 business leaders and a host of cabinet ministers, including George Osborne, the chancellor; Vince Cable, business secretary; Michael Gove, education secretary; and Chris Huhne, energy secretary. The top-level delegation is intended to reassure China of the value that Mr Cameron places on the relationship. The list of ministers is smaller than that which Mr Cameron took to India in July but British officials stress that this is still the UK’s largest-ever mission to China.