The Russians have played a little bit nicer when it comes to sanctions on Iran, they have been modestly more receptive towards shipping NATO war materiel to Afghanistan, and have been somewhat more cooperative in terms of negotiating with the WTO.

FORBES: In Which Victor Davis Hanson Conclusively Demonstrates His Cluelessness About Russia, the Reset, and Eastern Europe

In economic terms, the UK is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a body charged with promoting global free trade.

BBC: Unit 6D: International Politics and the UK

WTO's 135 members, notably the European Union, have yet to agree entry terms with China, and America's Congress has to endorse the deal.

ECONOMIST: The remaining hurdles