When Spain’s footballers won the World Cup in South Africa last year the fans watching it on giant outdoor television screens in Madrid were not the only contented people on the streets of the capital.
On that hot July night, dozens of Chinese men and women appeared within minutes of the final whistle and stationed themselves on strategic street corners. From loaded shopping trolleys they sold ice-cold beers to the jubilant Spaniards. They did not have licences. But who cared on such a night?
Even at the south-western edge of Europe – in a country that has no memorable historical ties with China – the combination of entrepreneurial Chinese migrants and Beijing’s increasing global influence has started to have a noticeable impact on urban life and the national economy.