Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits China to boost UK economic ties and secure trade benefits

Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited China to strengthen economic ties amid UK market challenges. She emphasized a pragmatic approach to trade and investment, securing benefits worth up to £1 billion for the UK, including improved access for financial services. Reeves addressed human rights issues during her trip, raising concerns about pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai, who has been imprisoned in Hong Kong. This visit marks the first by a UK chancellor to China in nearly a decade. The UK faces rising borrowing costs and pressure for a clear growth plan. Reeves's efforts come as businesses struggle post-Brexit, with significant drops in food exports to the EU.