我今天的领英文章，取笑一下大英帝国。

Does UK dictate its relations with China?

Today’s FT editorial says “UK’s ties with China are set for a sea change. Beijing is a strategic rival but one with which Britain must engage”.

We have seen many such statements. Do they mean half a relationship, a half-hearted relationship, or a cold relationship?

Is China begging for a relationship? Is China’s eagerness for a relationship always a given? Does Britain control the pace, the degree and the nature of the relationship?

Clearly the UK-China relation is bilateral, and multilateral. Britain does not have full control over it.

When you have been a power for too long, you can be forgiven for thinking so without thinking.