Bigger picture
In a turbulent world, the ability to look at the bigger picture, and stability, are key elements to ensuring security - and Samuels says these are factors that make Brexit an opportunity for Sino-British ties to become stronger than ever.
"With or without Brexit, Shanghai deals more with London than anywhere else in the world, so pre-or post-Brexit, China is crucial to our trade going forward," Samuels said.
" The EU and USA are our main trading partners at the moment, but my guess is that in 15 or so years, China might overtake them both."
If a country's mood can be interpreted in any way by its movements, then the prospects for London's long history of good relations with China are encouraging.
Earlier this month, city development 5 Broadgate was bought by Hong Kong's CK Asset Holdings for 1 billion pounds, meaning it joins such iconic London landmarks as 20 Fenchurch Street (the skyscraper also known as the Walkie Talkie) and 122 Leadenhall Street (another skyscraper, aka the Cheesegrater) in being Chinese-owned.
Perhaps even more symbolic than these purchases, was the Chinese government's May announcement that its new London embassy will be on the site of the former Royal Mint, close to the financial heart of the city and the Tower of London, one of the capital's most famous landmarks. The past, it would appear, has a role in shaping the future - even if just now no one is entirely sure what that future looks like.
Mark Tucker, group chairman of HSBC Holdings, said: "Establishing a long-term strategic plan for trade and investment relationships with China is vital, in our view, to clarify and secure the UK's place in this world.
"The UK's relationship with China requires a long-term approach. This long-term strategic approach will require a different mindset. The Belt and Road Initiative lays the foundation for sustainable growth for decades to come," said Tucker.
So, while the storm clouds that accompanied the arrival of Brexit may not yet have fully cleared, Samuels says all the signals he is receiving are that its outcome will be an opportunity for both countries, and the long-term forecast is for much improved conditions.
