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

Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited China to strengthen economic ties amid rising UK borrowing costs. She emphasized a pragmatic approach to trade and investment, securing benefits worth up to £1 billion for the UK economy, including improved access for financial services. Reeves addressed human rights concerns during her visit, including the case of pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai, who has been imprisoned since 2020. This visit marks the first by a UK chancellor to China in nearly a decade. The UK faces challenges from Brexit, with food exports to the EU declining significantly. Reeves aims to enhance trade with China, particularly in the agri-food sector, as the UK government seeks a clearer growth strategy.