Jim Armitage: Britain can’t afford not to seek Chinese investment

The Mall has more red flags on it than Tiananmen Square on Chinese New Year.

Doubtless security will be just as tight as our new national champion Xi Jinping arrives to enjoy all the pomp we Brits can muster.

Plenty of us feel uncomfortable painting the town red for this human-rights abuser.

But we must accept that, unlike Washington, little Britain can’t afford not to line up and kiss his hand.

Our manufacturers need a cosy relationship between Westminster and Beijing more than ever as we try to broaden our exports.

Meanwhile, China’s cash, like that of the dubious Middle Eastern sovereigns before it, will be crucial for inward investment.

Forget the current blip in its growth figures. Mighty China will be increasingly vital for Britain.

So, welcome to London, Mr Xi.

Heading the list of Chinese trade deals this week will be Beijing’s investment in the vast Hinkley Point nuclear power station.

I’m still sceptical it will be built, so was heartened to hear the government also reaffirming its faith in a possible fleet of small reactors: cheaper, simpler and, perhaps best of all, designed in the UK.