Trade between the countries has been growing ever since they reached a bilateral free-trade agreement five years ago.

WSJ: New Zealand, China in Talks on Convertibility of Currencies

Meanwhile, two-way trade between India and Sri Lanka, which signed a bilateral free-trade agreement in 1999, is ballooning.

ECONOMIST: An awkward neighbour in a troublesome neighbourhood

No bilateral free-trade agreement exists, and India often flirts with slapping duties on Chinese imports, most recently of power equipment.

ECONOMIST: India and China

One result has been that Australia is now the only major economy to have a bilateral free-trade agreement with America while also actively discussing one with China.

ECONOMIST: Has he got the ticker? | The

And he has also said that if the Doha trade talks can't be restarted consideration should be given to a bilateral India-EU free-trade agreement.

BBC: Cameron visit takes in both sides of India

Taiwan and Beijing have restored direct flights and increased tourism, and Mr Ma is also expected to sign a landmark - though controversial - bilateral free trade agreement with Beijing later this month.

BBC: Taiwan court rejects Chen Shui-bian corruption appeal

One course might be to stop pretending it is just another member of the Organisation of African Unity or Southern African Development Community, and start developing bilateral relations with other African countries, perhaps extending the South African Customs Union free-trade agreement to them.

ECONOMIST: South Africa

On its own, Singapore has just concluded a free-trade agreement with New Zealand and now has Australia (New Zealand's existing bilateral partner) and India in its sights.

ECONOMIST: Smaller steps