Britons in China

Since China’s opening up, increasing numbers of British people have made China their home. There are now many thousands of British people here. To celebrate and showcase their contribution and accomplishments, the British Embassy showcases “Britons in China”. People are profiled on the British Embassy website www.ukinchina.fco.gov.uk, offering readers an inspiring insight into the lives of notable British people and their endeavours in China. Individuals range from graphic designers to charity workers, authors to entrepreneurs, painting a colourful picture of the myriad of occupations undertaken by people today. Some have been here for decades, others are newer, but all have a story.

(Martin & Ming Fang at the Aids clinic in Dali, Yunnan with 2 young friends. The clinic was built by Barry & Martin's Trust and the town of Dali in 2004)

Name:      Martin Gordon, OBE
From:       London
Living in:   London

“We find friends everywhere in China who want help in overcoming ignorance and discrimination towards HIV/Aids; and they welcome the traditions and practices of UK medical and nursing care”

Following graduation from Oxford Martin Gordon spent his professional life as a merchant banker with SG Warburg, retiring in 2003. During this time he was involved in extending Warburg’s business into the Far East, starting in Japan and wending his way through other countries, arriving in China in 1985. In 1994 he was awarded the OBE for his work in Japan.

Soon after coming to China he managed its first Euro Bond Issue in 1987. He followed this achievement by acting as adviser to the CSRC and the People’s Bank of China in the establishing of an equity and bond market as well as leading the Warburg’s team in the first issuance of shares for Chinese companies in the early 1990s.

Personal loss led to the creation of Barry and Martin’s Trust. Martin’s partner of 26 years, Barry Chan, died of AIDS in 1996 and it was Barry’s wish that Martin undertake some charity work as a means of thanking the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital staff for their care. Initially Martin suggested to C&WH an exchange of medical staff between Britain and China to further AIDS education, prevention, treatment and care. This has grown into the charity renowned for its vigorous involvement in, and support of, hospitals treating HIV/AIDS patients, throughout China. In 2000 the Trust created an annual prize for excellence in this field and in 2004 opened the Peggy Health Centre in Dali, Yunnan.

Creation of the Trust was made possible because of Martin’s existing good relationship with the Chinese government, his initiative being welcomed by senior health officials. Since retirement, the Trust has become his ‘day job’ and he maintains his cordial relations with Chinese officialdom. Additionally his experience with AIDS charities has led to participation in Parliamentary Select Committees back in Britain.