tiring if they try to distort this reality."

Global Times - Ragout Photograph: Global Times

The official spokesman for the prime minister, David Cameron, sought to shrug off the significance of the article, telling a Westminster media briefing: "I read in the Times of London Premier Li's article when he said this was a great nation. That is the prime minister of China's view."

The barbed comments echo an editorial in the paper during Cameron's visit to China last December. At the time, it described Britain as "just an old European country apt for travel and study".

The criticism follows agreements between Britain and China on the first day of Li's visit that will allow Chinese companies to own and operate a nuclear power station and to help build high-speed rail lines.

Theagreements are among trade deals worth £14bn agreed with Beijing. They have prompted Cameron to declare that Britain is playing a part in the rise of China – something he called a defining event of the 21st century.

The two most controversial aspects of the deals will allow Chinese firms to own and operate a Chinese-designed nuclear power station and to build and operate rail lines in Britain. The Chinese have a mixed safety record on high-speed rail.

On Tuesday, Cameron said: "Ours is truly a partnership for growth, reform and innovation. Our partnership goes well beyond the economic field. The UK recognises that the rise of China is one of the defining events of our century.

"We welcome the fact that China's economic growth is lifting millions out of poverty.