Reeves Defends China Visit, Hails £600-M Boost To UK

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has defended her visit to China, aimed at improving economic ties, amidst rising government borrowing costs that threaten to strain the UK's public finances, Michael Race reported for BBC News.

While in Beijing, Reeves met Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng to discuss trade and investment opportunities aimed at boosting the UK economy and raising living standards. I Photo: Zara Farrar, No 10 Downing Street Flickr

Reeves stated that fostering a long-term relationship with China is "squarely in our national interest."

She announced that agreements made during her visit to Beijing could bring £600 million in economic benefits to the UK over the next five years.

Her trip, however, has drawn criticism from the Conservatives, who accused Reeves of having "fled to China" at a time when UK borrowing costs have reached a 16-year high, and the pound's value has dropped.

Speaking during her visit to Brompton's Beijing store, Reeves reiterated that her economic plans remain unchanged.

While in Beijing, Reeves met Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng to discuss trade and investment opportunities aimed at boosting the UK economy and raising living standards.

Following the discussions, the UK Treasury announced agreements for enhanced cooperation in trade, financial services, investment, and climate issues.

China, the world's second-largest economy, is the UK's fourth-largest single trading partner. According to the Treasury, exports to China supported over 455,000 UK jobs in 2020.