When in China the PM is well placed to do something about the big increase in world CO 2 as a third of the CO 2 and much of the growth in CO 2 comes from China. He should ask to see one of the new coal power stations and ask when China is going to follow the UK example of closing all coal stations and blowing them up.
He should say the UK is not going to carry on importing manufactures from China that depend on coal power. It does not help world CO 2 for the UK to shut its car plants to import cars from China where more CO 2 is generated in their manufacture. He should remind the Chinese of the forthcoming carbon tariffs on China products the UK is bringing in.
He should ask to visit a big naval port to see the expansion of modern ships. He should ask why China needs such huge forces.
He should point out that China runs a huge trade surplus with the UK and ask what UK goods China would consider buying. Our exports to China are only 18% of our exports to the USA. Why?
He should worry about coming home empty handed.A 10% increase in our exports to China would only add 0.1% to GDP assuming no increase in imports to offset.Even that looks very unlikely.
There is no growth in UK GDP to be had in China. The UK needs to become a more demanding customer instead of a pathetic pushover.
January 28, 2026
China doesn’t owe us any favours , they don’t have to bend to past colonists. They”ll just nod their head and send us on our way.