UK Affirms China Ties Amid US Tariff Pressure

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has publicly rejected calls to economically disengage from China, underscoring China's significance as the world's second-largest economy and criticizing US-led pressure, under President Trump, for allies to impose new tariffs. Reeves expressed support for international businesses like Shein seeking London listings and welcomed entrepreneurs affected by US tariffs. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is still scheduled to visit China to revive the UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), aiming to increase bilateral trade and investment, while maintaining restrictions on Chinese involvement in sensitive sectors such as steel. The Labour government is conducting a comprehensive review of UK-China relations, which is expected to recommend strengthening China expertise within the government. MPs continue to urge the government to address concerns over human rights and security in dealings with China. The UK is therefore pursuing a nuanced policy: seeking deeper economic ties with China while instituting firmer safeguards on national security and human rights.