Memories of the blot on British Imperial history, the Opium wars, may have faded. The young Chinese may no longer have hostile feelings towards the British, but along with the peoples of the former British Imperial territories they are not that enamoured with it either.
China and India are no longer captive British markets. They have choice. That fact will become real as those in Britain seek areas to make up for lost trade as a result of Britain’s withdrawal from the EU single market.
In this, the early years of the 21st century, Britain is awash with some products – illegal drugs.
Is this some kind of karma for its behaviour years ago in the Far East?
Ian Martin