Reeves calls London a natural home for Chinese finance during Beijing visit

Rachel Reeves, the UK Chancellor, visited Beijing to strengthen economic ties with China, calling London a "natural home" for Chinese finance. She announced deals worth £600 million over five years, marking Labour's renewed engagement with China. This trip is the first high-level economic meeting between the UK and China since 2019. Reeves emphasized the importance of regulatory cooperation while addressing national security concerns, including human rights issues and the situation in Hong Kong. Reeves also raised the case of detained activist Jimmy Lai during her discussions. The visit follows a shift in Labour's approach to China, contrasting with the previous government's more cautious stance.