Boosting links with China - one of the world’s biggest markets - is a major priority for Britain, so I’m delighted that the Government has just announced a package of support to bring Shakespeare to Chinese audiences. This includes: • Funding of £1.5 million to pay for a complete translation by the Royal Shakespeare Company of Shakespeare’s complete works into Mandarin, for the very first time. • £300,000 to help fund an RSC tour throughout China in 2016 to help commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. This is great news for Stratford. China’s rising middle class have a growing appetite for Western-style theatre, ever more are making the visit to the birthplace of the world’s greatest playwright. Promoting Shakespeare in China will result in more jobs for Stratford in the years to come. This is also a vital part of the UK’s cultural diplomacy. Building an appreciation of British culture in one of our most important target markets can only stand to benefit us when the Chinese come to make key decisions on trade and investment. I warmly congratulate the RSC on securing this funding.