Organisers of trips say they intend for them to proceed despite UK nationals being warned not to travel to China.

In recent years a growing number of the lucrative missions have been organised as UK firms aim to tap into the massive potential of the Chinese market.

Those involved range from small enterprises to large multi-nationals such as Unilever and Pilkington.

The Bank of China is a landmark in Hong Kong ... where UK/China links have grown

The value of the trade for both countries has been of rising importance with the UK exporting £1.7bn worth of goods to China in 1997, while imports were worth £5.5bn.

Links have continued to grow since the smooth handover of Hong Kong in 1997.

Carrying on as normal

Peter Nightingale, chief executive of the China/Britain Business Council, which promotes trade between the two countries, said: "In spite of the highly regrettable accident we are hoping that trade relations will not be affected.

"Trade has been improving gradually over the past couple of years since the successful handover of Hong Kong.

"We have seen a great improvement in the political relationships which we think has benefited trade.

"We have five offices in China and as far as we can tell things are carrying on as normal today."

The council has a trade mission in China this week and is planning another one next week.

Another industry mission is being planned for June by the Coventry and Warwick Chamber of Commerce.

Chinese-born Wendy Che, who works for the chamber's China desk, said she had been in contact with the Chinese embassy in London on Monday and the visit is still going ahead.

"We have many links with China and I don't think this incident will spill over to affect trade."

Called off already

One potential victim of the fall out from the Belgrade bombing would have been a Birmingham Chamber of Commerce mission due to leave for China on Tuesday.

But it had already been called off for lack of interest.

Manchester Chamber of Commerce chief executive Julian Hulse said they were still expecting two Chinese delegations scheduled to arrive in the English city at the end of the week.

He added: "We have just returned from an incredibly succesful trade mission to China.

"Understandably feelings in China are running very high at the moment, but it is widely accepted that the partnership between Britain and China is going from strength to strength and we feel that it would be a great loss to both nations if a setback in this progress occurred because of the weekend events.

"We have not received any negative feedback and whilst I have every confidence in the long term relationship it is far too early to say whether trade between the two countries will be markedly affected."

The UK is the biggest European investor in China, with many companies operating joint ventures with Chinese partners.