history

The first British Airways flight to Beijing was a key moment for the airline and for British business in general, writes Paul French. This is just one of the many key events that have taken place during the 50 years since the establishment of ambassadorial relations between China and the UK British tourists were heading to China by the end of the 1970s, but invariably having to fly with TAROM, …

Perhaps the most astonishing news in the global travel industry in 1977 was the announcement by Thomson Holidays that they were launching package trips to China, writes Paul French. The story of how it came about is just as surprising. This is just one of the many key events that have taken place during the 50 years since the establishment of ambassadorial relations between China and the UK Thomson’s all-inclusive …

The 50th anniversary of ambassadorial relations between the UK and China presents us with a chance to both celebrate and reflect. Here, former Chinese Ambassador to the UK (2010-2021), Liu Xiaoming, discusses the evolution of diplomatic relations during his 11-year tenure Can you tell us about some of your most enjoyable moments during your time as ambassador to the UK? I served as the Chinese ambassador to the UK for …

The 50th anniversary of ambassadorial relations between the UK and China presents us with a chance to both celebrate and reflect. Here, former Chinese Ambassador to the UK (2007-2010), Madam Fu Ying, discusses the most significant diplomatic moments between the two countries during her tenure Can you tell us about some of your most enjoyable moments during your time as ambassador to the UK? During my term, I took every …

Half a century of ambassadorial relations between the UK and China presents us with a chance to both celebrate and reflect, writes Chris Boobier For six years, Chris Boobier led the Chevening Programme in China – the UK government’s international awards programme aimed at developing global leaders. Through this, he met hundreds of inspiring industry professionals from every province across the country working to bridge the UK and China, build …

Mark Kitto was one of the most well-known foreigners in China for much of the 1990s and 2000s, as founder of the That’s entertainment magazines. Tom Pattinson speaks to him from his Norfolk home to learn more about his new one-man theatre show soon to be performed in London When I speak to Mark Kitto from his North Norfolk home, he is sporting a neat handlebar moustache. Accompanied by ever-so-slightly …

Tianjin has been an important commercial and transportation hub since the 13th Century. Today, it’s a modern metropolis on its way to becoming a Smart City. Here’s what happened in between. Words and photography by Bruce Connelly Looking down upon the city from one of Tianjin’s tall skyscrapers, a futuristic skyline opens up. A stunning array of architectural heritage buildings ranging in colonial styles are interspersed among this 21st-century Chinese …

Historian and author Michael Wood’s BBC series The Story of China was a huge hit with viewers. Now he has turned his TV documentary into a new book. Paul French caught up with him before the launch Wood’s BBC TV series saw him embark on a great historical adventure, exploring the stories, people and landscapes that created China’s distinctive character and genius over four thousand years. His most recent documentary …

Tom Pattinson speaks to author and broadcaster Humphrey Hawksley about his new book Asian Waters In the book, you argue that China uses a carrot and stick approach to the South China Sea, which ultimately leads countries or groups to end up supporting China’s actions in the region. Does this mean opposition to China’s militarisation of the South China Sea will only diminish and the region will inevitably fall fully under …

Where historical treasures are to be found tells us more about today’s geopolitics than yesterday’s history, writes Tom Pattinson The first heist was in 2010. A small group broke into the China Pavilion at Stockholm’s Drottningholm Palace before making off on motorbikes, which they ditched in a nearby lake, before zipping off into the night on speedboat. All in under six minutes. A month later, thieves descended Mission Impossible-style from …