Britain’s Treasury chief, Rachel Reeves, is traveling to China this weekend to revive suspended economic and financial talks and strengthen cooperation between the two nations. The Labour government aims to reset strained ties with Beijing while addressing Britain’s sluggish economy, the Treasury announced Friday, reports AP.
Reeves will meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng during visits to Beijing and Shanghai, focusing on restoring the China-U.K. Economic and Financial Dialogue. These annual talks, halted since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and worsening relations, aim to reduce barriers for British businesses seeking to export to or expand in China.
Tensions between the two countries had escalated over spying allegations, China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, and a crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong, a former British colony.
In addition to trade and cooperation, Reeves plans to urge China to cease economic and material support for Russia’s war effort and to address concerns over human rights in Hong Kong.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
