This column's recent focus of attention in recent weeks, the over-anticipated Autumn Statement, was last week pushed back a day, to December 5, to accommodate the prime minister's trade visit to China.

David Cameron was keen at the outset of his premiership to turn the Foreign and Commonwealth Office into a global trade embassy. He wanted it to cement the links and connections vital to the much-dreamed of export-led recovery to economic salvation. 

And the diplomatic corps have certainly made the change from an ethical to a commercial foreign policy.