UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves warned it would be “very foolish” for the United Kingdom to disengage from the Chinese mainland, stressing the value of sustained economic collaboration. Speaking to The Telegraph ahead of her trip to Washington, Reeves outlined why deepening ties is central to her government's strategy.
Earlier this year, Reeves traveled to the Chinese mainland for the 11th Chinese mainland-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, joining leaders from HSBC, the London Stock Exchange Group, Standard Chartered and Prudential. The dialogue culminated in a deal estimated at 600 million pounds (approximately $795.93 million), a win Reeves says underscores the scale of opportunity.
Reeves emphasized that the Chinese mainland is the world's second-largest economy and plays a vital role in global markets. “It would be very foolish to not engage,” she said, arguing that cooperation can unlock new licenses and quotas for British financial firms and foster innovation on both sides.
Looking beyond finance, Reeves voiced support for the Chinese mainland fast-fashion giant Shein to list on the London Stock Exchange and shrugged off data security concerns around electric vehicles, saying she'd be happy to ride in one of the mainland's EVs.
Her stance aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's agenda to strengthen trade and financial ties with the Chinese mainland, positioning the UK as a key partner in shaping future economic landscapes. For global entrepreneurs, students and travelers, these moves signal a renewed era of opportunity and collaboration beyond borders.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
