Britain ready to roll out red carpet for Chinese

The UK though seems a different kettle of fish. The country has had a turbulent relationship with China since the 19th century, which has encompassed war, colonialism, diplomatic turmoil and trade disputes.

That appears to have changed recently. Chinese and British friends of mine note that whatever the differences, there's always mutual interest.

One blot on the landscape used to be the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong, but ever since the territory's peaceful transition back to Chinese sovereignty and its status as a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China, things have improved dramatically.

And unlike in the US, Chinese investment in the UK is welcome - China's proposed investment in the UK's nuclear industry hasn't attracted any adverse comment, and the list goes on. You get the feeling Chancellor George Osborne was laying out a very large welcome mat for Xi when he was in China last month. The announcement of 52 separate deals gives you an idea of how well that visit went down.

Britain's government officials, ever pragmatic, are well disposed to laying out a genuine red carpet for Xi when he arrives.

Britain's love affair with China is pretty broad, and it's going to continue, especially with China's growing openness to the rest of the world.

China is on most people's list of places to visit, and thousands of Chinese visitors are welcomed here each year, whether for leisure, study or business.

Xi's visit is expected to further cement the bond.

Chris Peterson is managing editor of China Daily Europe. chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com