Differences swept under the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Britain
Golden era hype polished with maximum pomp from UK and massive investment from China as countries prioritise economics over the past
President Xi Jinping's state visit to Britain - for which London is rolling out the "reddest of red carpets" - underscores how the burgeoning economic relationship between the world's second and fifth largest economies is eclipsing traditional ideological differences, analysts say.
Both sides are hailing a "golden era" of relations - an appropriate image, given Xi is bringing to the table multi-billion-pound investments.
In return Xi, who arrives today, is being accorded the highest diplomatic protocol. He will receive a 103-gun royal salute and be honoured with two banquets - one with Queen Elizabeth and one in the City of London.
Xi and first lady Peng Liyuan will meet three generations of the British royal family while staying at Buckingham Palace. They will also visit Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha at Chequers, a country mansion that has hosted foreign dignitaries since 1921.
Xi will address parliament at the Palace of Westminster before flying to Manchester with Chancellor George Osborne to visit the National Graphene Institute and Manchester City football club.