UK finance minister Rachel Reeves starts first official visit to China since 2016

UK finance minister Rachel Reeves began her visit to China on January 11, marking the first trip by a senior British official since 2016. This visit comes as UK government bond yields hit a 17-year high, increasing borrowing costs. Reeves aims to revive economic dialogue and support British businesses amid rising financial pressures. She plans to meet Chinese counterpart He Lifeng to discuss trade, investment, and financial cooperation. The visit occurs against a backdrop of strained UK-China relations, with Reeves expected to address human rights issues. The UK government is pursuing a strategy of pragmatic engagement while also challenging China on specific concerns.