If it’s true the Chinese are giving the British the cold shoulder over Cameron’s meeting with the Dalai Lama, it is an example of coercion. When you hear talk of a rules-based order, it’s to prevent a world where this kind of thing is possible. 

Says the Telegraph: 

China wants Mr Cameron to apologise for hosting Tibet’s spiritual leader, who disputes Beijing’s territorial claims on the region. The Government insists there is nothing to apologise for.

 

There are now fears that the frosty diplomatic relations could put at risk Chinese investment in Britain, which was worth £8billion last year.

 

Chinese sources have made a veiled threat that for investment in the UK “there needs to be a strong relationship”.