disagreements

Layered on top of that is the fact that political disagreements have morphed into moral conflicts that are perceived as pitting good against evil.

It turned especially tense during the Biden administration because of tariffs and geopolitical disagreements ranging from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the future of Taiwan.

But Sir Keir Starmer is determined to improve relations - still challenging Beijing over disagreements but also looking for cooperation where possible.

The fact that there have been some public disagreements with the regulator has only fuelled that suspicion.

Biden on Saturday acknowledged there had always been disagreements with Xi but added that discussions between him and the Chinese leader had been "frank" and "candid".