Chinese business chiefs reportedly paid more than £12,000 to have dinner with former British prime minister David Cameron, as he visits the country to discuss a new UK-China investment fund.
Deep-pocketed guests at a high-end social event in Shanghai were reportedly encouraged to pay 109,800 yuan (£12,519) so they could meet Mr Cameron at the Shanghai International Ball and Leaders Forum, according to the BBC.
It’s said the price also guaranteed photographs with Mr Cameron, who is perceived as a typical English gentleman and successful politician in the Far East.
A flyer promoting the Shanghai International Ball and Leaders Forum said guests could have dinner with former British Prime Minister David Cameron (left, file photo) at a price of 109,800 yuan (£12,519). The high-end social event was held in a luxury hotel on January 9 (right)
In 2015, Mr Cameron, the then British Prime Minister, impressed the Chinese public after taking their President Xi to his favourite pub for a pint (pictured) during Mr Xi’s state visit to Britain
A digital flyer circulating on the social media suggested Mr Cameron would meet the affluent guests, the BBC said.
The post claimed that seats were limited and it would be a great opportunity to connect with ‘important figures’.
It also boasted that the price to meet the former PM was much cheaper than to watch the Victoria’s Secret annual show, which was held in Shanghai last November.
The event was held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Shanghai on January 9. The Shanghai International Debutante Ball was held in the same hotel situated on Shanghai’s iconic waterfront, The Bund.
People dance at the Shanghai International Ball and Leaders Forum on January 9
Mr Cameron’s spokesman told BBC the event in question had been the Global Alliance of SMEs’ Women Leaders Forum, but did not comment on the alleged pricetag
The organiser claimed the event was aimed at presenting elite Chinese businesswomen on an international stage.
Mr Cameron’s spokesman told MailOnline Mr Cameron had attended the Global Alliance of SMEs’ Women Leaders Forum in Shanghai, but did not comment on the alleged dinner arrangement.
MailOnline has contacted the organiser of the Shanghai International Ball and Leaders Forum for comments on the matters, and is awaiting a reply.
David Cameron held talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping yesterday in Beijing as part of his role leading a billion dollar investment initiative between the country and Britain.
The former prime minister tweeted a photo of himself discussing plans for the £750 million UK-China fund and a ‘golden era’ in relations.
Mr Cameron is acting as vice chairman for the fund to improve ports, roads and rail networks between China and its trading partners.
David Cameron (right) holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) in 2015
Excellent meeting & enjoyable dinner with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, to talk about the ‘Golden Era’ in UK-China relations & plans for the new UK-China Fund. pic.twitter.com/tnFpx1DNPp
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 11, 2018
Alongside the photo of himself with the Chinese premier, Mr Cameron said: ‘Excellent meeting & enjoyable dinner with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, to talk about the ‘Golden Era’ in UK-China relations & plans for the new UK-China Fund.’
The UK-China fund’s launch was announced as part of a series of deals hailed by Chancellor Philip Hammond during a trade visit to China.
Around £1.4 billion worth of commercial deals were announced at the UK-China economic and financial dialogue in Beijing attended by Mr Hammond.
In 2015, the then British PM impressed the Chinese public after taking their President Xi to his favourite pub during Mr Xi’s state visit to Britain.
Mr Cameron and Mr Xi each had a pint and a portion of fish and chips at The Plough at Cadsden in Buckinghamshire.
The amazed Chinese people started turning up at Mr Cameron’s local pub in their droves to eat fish and chips and drink real ale shortly after.