It prospered as the hub of a commercial and trading nation when the sun never set on the British Empire.

早在日不落帝国时代，它就已经是这个商贸国家繁荣的港口了。

youdao

"I've always been very clear it's in our national interest as a trading nation to be in the single market, " he said.

BBC: David Cameron in the Today studio

As a trading nation with strong overseas links, Britain has a vital stake in maintaining international order and must be able to project hard power overseas.

ECONOMIST: Future defence policy

As a trading, island nation, Britain has as much interest as anyone in enforcing international rules.

ECONOMIST: Britain's defence review