For the past 20 years, western and multinational corporations have argued for greater political and commercial engagement with China in the hope of gaining access to the biggest potential market in the world.

But over the past year, a range of foreign companies has accused Beijing of restricting market access and favouring state-owned competitors. This has led some to rethink the policy of unquestioning engagement.

“A less welcoming attitude is alienating big business, which has been the greatest natural ally of the Communist party in the past,” said one western official who works closely with foreign companies in China. “Previously, when politicians in the west wanted to criticise China for its human rights abuses or other issues, multinationals would quietly lobby governments not to make a big fuss. But that appears to be changing.”