Sat Jan 11 10:47:43 UTC 2025: ## UK and China Resume Economic Talks After Six-Year Hiatus

**Taipei, Taiwan –** The United Kingdom and China have restarted high-level economic and financial talks after a six-year pause, marking a significant step in the Labour government’s effort to repair strained relations with the world’s second-largest economy. British Treasury chief Rachel Reeves led a delegation to Beijing on January 11, 2025, reviving the China-U.K. Economic and Financial Dialogue. The talks, suspended since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating relations, aim to ease trade barriers for British businesses in China.

Ms. Reeves emphasized the UK’s commitment to fostering a stable, long-term partnership with China, focusing on cooperation in areas like sustainable finance, capital markets, and clean energy. However, she stressed the importance of preventing economic ties from compromising national security. Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng echoed the sentiment, expressing willingness to create a fair business environment for both countries’ companies.

The renewed dialogue comes amidst lingering tensions stemming from spying allegations, China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine war, and concerns over human rights in Hong Kong. Ms. Reeves used the opportunity to urge China to cease its support for Russia’s war effort and address human rights issues in Hong Kong. The delegation included high-profile figures from the Bank of England and major British financial institutions.

This initiative follows previous diplomatic visits by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reflecting the government’s strategy of pursuing a “pragmatic” approach to working with China on global issues while acknowledging security concerns. However, the move has faced criticism from the opposition Conservative Party, which voiced concerns about prioritizing trade over national security and human rights.

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