Britain forces trade upon China by using its superior military power. Today China is supporting Russia to put Europe on the defensive. Western imperialism is getting a taste of its own 'medicine'.

There is no such thing as free trade in the real world - the power projection of nation states operates at varying levels in concert with merchants to maximise the wealth and resource capture achieved.

Governments are a crucial factor in the wealth of nations. China and Russia are challenging western imperialism. The tables have turned since The Opium Wars.