China daily criticises Cameron, says Britain not 'big power' anymore

A China daily has criticised British Prime Minister David Cameron for colluding with France and Germany to provoke Beijing over the Dalai Lama.

A state-run newspaper said Britain was no longer seen as a "big power" among Chinese, but as just an old European country apt for travel and study, News.com.au reports.

The Global Times also criticised Cameron for comments backing expanded democracy in former British colony Hong Kong.

Cameron's is presently on a visit to China, which was postponed last year after he met with the exiled Tibetan leader reviled by Beijing.