David Cameron Wears A Poppy Made In China

DAVID Cameron wears a poppy in China and sparks a row. Well, so say the papers. The poppy, you see, is not only a symbol of sacrifice in the Second World War; it is the source of opium. And China went to war with Britain – twice – over our opium trafficking. Britain won both and secured Hong Kong and a trade in the drug.

On the other hand, the Communist Party may well enjoy the poppy, given that without those Opium Wars and the ensuing rebellions (Boxer and Taiping), the then ruling Qing dynasty might not have fallen to spectacularly and the Republic of China not created.

So. There is no argument that the Independent talks of on its front page. There are no “unhappy memories” that the Times alludes to. There is just a symbol to remind the Chinese that whatever the pain of their current regime, at least they can now thrash the British in a fight.

And you just know the poppies are made in China, don’t you…

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Prime Minister David Cameron inspects a guard of honour with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (left) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on the first of a two day trip to China.

Anorak

Posted: 10th, November 2010 | In: Politicians Comment | TrackBack | Permalink