Reeves’ drive for growth seeks China lifeline after UK market turmoil

Chancellor's mission to Beijing weighted with greater expectations

Rachel Reeves hailed a new era of respectful and consistent future relations with China" as pressure grew on the embattled chancellor to deliver on her government's central promise to fire up UK economic growth.

After meeting China's vice-premier, He Lifeng, in Beijing, Reeves said Britain's relationship with the world's second largest economy would be frank and open on areas where we disagree", while stressing it would be pragmatic in finding opportunities for safe trade and investment".