A new reality is beginning to dawn on British policymakers. As Brexit Britain prepares to re-enter the international scene in more of a solo capacity — although of course still tied to numerous links of interdependence (perhaps more than ever) — the sheer size to which the China factor in world affairs has grown is challenging all the old assumptions.
Four decades or so ago, when Britain first joined the EU bloc, of course there were signs that the Chinese giant was stirring, although still very much keeping to itself on the world stage. The United States was the unquestioned superpower.
But since then it has been "all change." The growth first in the Chinese economy and now in China's world footprint has been earthshaking and defied every prediction.