Adam Williams OBE

As fourth generation of a China-based family, I studied Mandarin in Hong Kong and Taiwan, after graduating in English literature from Oxford University in 1975.

I subsequently used my Chinese as a journalist in Hong Kong, as a trade promoter in London, and, since 1985, as Beijing chief representative of companies such as GEC Marconi, Jardine Fleming and currently Jardine Matheson. In 1999 I received an OBE for services to Sino British trade. I have also authored three novels about China in the Twentieth Century: "The Palace of Heavenly Pleasure" (2003) "The Emperor's Bones" (2005) and "The Dragon's Tail" (2007).