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![]() It may surprise many that the Commonwealth has been outstripping the EU in three determinants: population size, the size of the economy, and economic growth rate. The Commonwealth is in fact a well-proven, sizable entity with a trade volume of US$14.6 trillion encompassing 53 nations. I would argue that the latter is more important. ![]() That might be good for lovers of Central Asian melons, but it’s not especially useful in maintaining Commonwealth ties. For example, London agreed a 6,300-product trade agreement with Uzbekistan last week. The UK is still a significant trading power and is looking for trade deals – any deals. But there are tools than London can use to support its Commonwealth members, even if London is short of cash. ![]() That is more to do with decades of political ineptitude and disinterest than Chinese stealth. The bad news, for the UK at least is that it lifts the veil from hiding the impoverishment of the UK in its neglect of its Commonwealth asset. That would have been a pertinent parting gift. The good news is that Barbados effectively ran itself anyway, and that it will remain a member of the Commonwealth, although it has been allowed to leave without a trade deal in place. London hasn’t been paying attention to Commonwealth financial support, and the political loss of Barbados is partially a result. The fact that China has lent Barbados US$115 million to repair roads is symbolic of where assistance now comes from. This is especially pertinent to the development of China, its global trade reach and the development of its Belt and Road Initiative, and how this could sway Commonwealth political influence away from London and towards Beijing. ![]() With Barbados becoming a Republic yesterday, simultaneously removing the Queen as head of state and forming its own, Barbadian legislature, the repercussions for British influence amongst its Commonwealth are rightly being questioned. By Chris Devonshire-Ellis With Barbados becoming a Republic, China is now financing a long-time British trade asset, but solutions are at hand for London
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