UK's Chancellor Reeves advocates for deeper partnership with China: Telegraph

UK's Chancellor Reeves advocates for deeper partnership with China: Telegraph

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed her support for a deeper partnership with China, despite ongoing tensions over the British Steel crisis. Reeves, who visited China earlier this year, believes that strengthening economic ties with the world's second-largest economy is essential for the UK's future growth [1].

Reeves' stance comes amidst growing concerns over the British Steel crisis, where Chinese company Jingye was accused of trying to shut down the UK's steel industry by withholding crucial raw materials. The UK government took control of British Steel on Saturday, after negotiations over its future broke down [1]. The crisis has sparked calls for the UK to exclude Beijing from its critical national infrastructure, but Reeves maintains that China is not a hostile state and that the UK must be pragmatic in its approach [1].

Reeves' visit to China in January and recent trips by trade minister Douglas Alexander have raised concerns over the UK's growing relationship with the country. Reeves has emphasized the need to engage with China and protect the interests of UK businesses operating in the country [1]. However, some MPs have criticized the government's approach, with former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith describing Reeves' comments as "naive" [1].

The British Steel crisis has highlighted the importance of securing the UK's steelmaking capacity, with Reeves emphasizing the need for steel in the government's plan to build 1.5 million homes in the next five years [1]. Despite the ongoing crisis, the UK government has been working to secure the raw materials needed to keep the furnaces burning and prevent irreparable damage to the Scunthorpe plant [1].

References:
[1] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/04/14/politics-latest-news-british-steel-keir-starmer-china/