Around that time, the cutlers claimed that "foreigners" were largely to blame for poor quality merchandise: "When it is remembered that a 'foreigner' was not simply an alien but anyone, Londoner or otherwise, who was not free of the City - a freedom gained through membership of a mistery - the extent of their power to control the trade will be appreciated, " adds Girtin.

BBC: Lessons from history: Can royalty guarantee a free press?

But in China, the first sentence people say to a foreigner is, 'I'm sorry my English is poor.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia