Businesses and universities are looking to the expand in China

Relations between the UK and China are strengthening as the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao continues a three-day visit to the UK, following Tony Blair's visit to China last year.

The UK is Europe's largest investor in China and schools and universities in the UK are not missing out on the opportunities available.

Earlier this year, Nottingham University announced a �40m project to build a purpose-built campus in Ningbo, an historic city in the province of Zhejiang on the east coast.

It is hoped the first Chinese students will commence their studies in September. Start-up academic staff will be sent over from the UK.

The London School of Economics is taking its summer schools to China this summer for the first time.

The courses will be run in partnership with Peking University.

Dr John Board, head of the LSE Summer School programme, said: "We are delighted to be offering this selection of flagship courses from our London programme in Peking."

"It is a step into a new market but one we are confident will attract interest."

Interest in the Chinese market is not just restricted to universities.

London-based independent school, Dulwich College, is opening Dulwich College International in Shanghai in August.

This week marks Mr Wen's first state visit to the UK since he came to office in March last year and is part of a wider European trip.

He is due to meet the Queen on Tuesday and is meeting top executives from British companies investing in China, including oil company BP.