Liz Truss has repeatedly warned that under her leadership, the UK will take a hard line against China - suggesting it would be treated in a similar way to Russia.
So it came as a surprise for eagle-eyed visitors at the Conservative Party Conference that Truss merchandise on sale to the party faithful was imported from.... China.
"What's wrong with British crockery?" asked a bemused attendee after spotting the £14.99 mug on the shelves at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.