Personally I think that a UK pension could be ATM drawn in China or elsewhere via a UK ordinary current account, which would mean lower fees.

You are of course dead right and I concede to that that a pensioner should have an ordinary bank account, and use the Chine ATM's. Another thing is this-if you keep connections in your home country then it is easier to prove to the immigration people that you do still consider it home. This is important should you want to take Little Lotus Blossom home with you- she can then meet your Great Grand Children-hahaha