William's China Visit: List Of Dos and Don'ts

In preparation for his Asian tour, Prince William is bound to have sat down with British diplomats for a series of briefings; a chance for him to get up-to-speed on Britain's relations with Japan and China.

The briefing on Japan wouldn't have taken long; London and Tokyo are close allies. Politically, culturally, the relationship is good.

"Fly the flag and enjoy the trip," he'd have been told.

But what about his China briefing? My sense is that would have taken a little longer.

China is undoubtedly a test of William's diplomatic dexterity with numerous "issues" for him to consider - some to navigate around, others to tackle head on.

So what would William's diplomatic take-away notes for China have looked like? Here's my guess:

:: Subjects to avoid at all costs?

- Hong Kong: Britain once ran Hong Kong, but the Chinese are keen on reminding everyone that they are in charge now.

The calls for genuine democracy (rather than electing a leader from candidates chosen by Beijing) resulted in huge protests last year. Beijing accused the UK of quietly backing the protests and "meddling in Chinese affairs".

It's all rather delicate - best not to mention it. If it rains in Beijing, don't carry a yellow umbrella; any other colour, but not yellow .

- The Dalai Lama: Just don't go there. David Cameron met the excelled leader of Tibet (once independent, now Chinese) in 2012.

For the following 18 months, the UK was politically frozen out of China. While it didn't affect trade, it's best not to be in China's naughty corner for too long.

:: Subjects that can be mentioned delicately?

- Human Rights: Without using that particular phrase, some informal discussion of a "global desire for equal freedoms and rights" would be fine.

China has an undoubtedly questionable human rights record .

However, the Communist Government sees "human rights" through a different prism; they talk of "collective human rights" - frequently taking credit for lifting millions of people out of poverty over the past few decades: a collective improvement in Chinese human rights, they say.

:: Subjects to wax lyrical about?

- Downton Abbey: The Chinese can't get enough of it. Talk at length about it! Cultural exports are a key growth area for Britain, with China the key market. (Perhaps mention quietly that Britain would rather the Chinese bought the programme rather than illegally downloading it or pirating DVD copies).

- Sherlock Holmes (and Benedict Cumberbatch): Again - they can't get enough of it, or him.

- Range Rovers: There are Range Rovers all over China. More have sold in China than anywhere else. The country is now Jaguar Land Rover's biggest market .

And that's the nub of the matter - business. Trade between the two countries is very good, but it could be even better.

The UK is China's most popular destination for Chinese outward investment. Britain attracts 50% more investment than the next largest European country.

Chinese outbound investment will go up from £64bn last year to £324bn by 2019. Britain needs a large slice of that.

- Longevity: As a royal who isn't going anywhere, there may be some political advantage in building a relationship with the Chinese leadership who, unlike British politicians, are in office until 2023 - a unique opportunity for bilateral continuity.

:: Subjects to go hard on but with care?

- Wildlife trade: All conservation groups are agreed - China is the main protagonist in the trade of illegal wildlife which is endangering numerous species.

The trip is an ideal opportunity to press Chinese leaders to do more to stop the trade.

Diplomatically, it would be worth mentioning that the problem extends beyond China: Vietnam has a terrible record (rhino, bear, pangolin); Laos and Myanmar are chopping down all their forests (with China's help) and destroying entire habitats.

:: Anything else to be aware of?

- Japan: Don't be too enthusiastic about how wonderful the Japan leg of the trip was; relations between Japan and China are terrible at the moment.

- Family faux-pas: Remember some spectacular foot-in-mouth moments by other royals.

In 1986 Prince Phillip told a group of British students that they'd "all be slitty-eyed" if they remained in China any longer. In 1997 Prince Charles described the Chinese leaders as "appalling old waxworks".