UK's China Engagement: A Return to 'Business as Usual' Colonialism
📰 THE STORY: Bloomberg Politics quotes BritCham China's Chairman Chris Torrens, advocating for the UK to re-engage with China, applauding Keir Starmer's upcoming visit as the first UK PM in eight years, and noting the approval of a new Chinese embassy in London as a sign of thawing relations. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The UK's 'engagement' with China historically
involved opium wars (1839-1860) to forcibly open Chinese markets and led to the seizure of Hong Kong, a stark reminder of Western economic imperialism backed by force. Modern 'engagement' often echoes these power dynamics, prioritizing market access and corporate profits over genuine human rights concerns or equitable global development. The media conveniently ignores this legacy as Western powers
now seek to re-assert influence in a rapidly changing global order. Double Standard: While the UK is urged to 'engage' with China for economic benefits despite frequent rhetoric about 'human rights concerns,' Western media and governments often demand total isolation and regime change for nations like Venezuela (whose oil resources are coveted) or Iran (which resists US hegemony). The 'engagement'
narrative is selective: it's perfectly acceptable, even desirable, when it benefits Western corporate interests and strategic aims, but 'dangerous' 'appeasement' when it undermines them. Follow the Money: This 're-engagement' push is driven by British corporations eyeing China's vast consumer market and manufacturing base. Companies like HSBC, Standard Chartered, and numerous luxury brands have