Five reasons London needs a China House

Caroline Cheng, founder of Yi Design, proposed a 'China House' in London to showcase Chinese culture and commerce, inspired by Japan House on Kensington High Street. The article argues for a street-facing location in Covent Garden, designed by Xie Ke, branded by Li Xibin, and tiled by Yi Design, entirely privately funded. It highlights five Chinese brands to feature: Midea, a major air-conditioning manufacturer from Foshan that owns Toshiba and Teka and will sponsor FC Barcelona; Chagee, a tea brand from Kunming founded by Zhang Junjie in 2017, poised to expand in Europe; Juneyao Airlines, a private Shanghai-based carrier founded by three brothers from Wenzhou, known as 'milk air'; Pane, a Shanghai footwear brand established in 2022 by Chen Ning, known for its Pace Nostalgia 60s shoes; and Zeekr, a premium electric vehicle brand launched by Geely in 2021, with the Zeekr 9X expected in London by end of year. The article suggests Midea's founder He Xiangjian could fund construction, and that China House should serve as a commercial shop window, not a political statement.