UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves Visits China for Talks

UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is facing criticism for visiting China amid financial turmoil at home, where rising interest rates have raised comparisons to the 2022 'mini-budget' crisis. Reeves defended her trip by emphasizing the importance of 'pragmatic and predictable' relations with China to enhance trade and economic growth, stating that her fiscal rules are 'non-negotiable'. During her visit, she aims to revive the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue, which has been on hold since 2019, and discuss cooperation on financial services, trade ties, and climate change. Despite calls from opposition politicians to cancel her trip, Reeves insists that unlocking benefits for British businesses is crucial. She also plans to address issues such as rights and freedoms in Hong Kong and China's support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Accompanied by key financial leaders, Reeves' visit marks a significant effort to strengthen UK-China relations and expand British businesses' access to the world's second-largest economy.