Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in London on Sunday, ahead of China-U.S. trade talks this week in London.
He, the Chinese leader of the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialog, had in-depth discussions with Reeves on China-UK economic and financial cooperation and issues of mutual concern.
He said that China and the UK should work together to effectively implement the important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Both countries should aim to achieve tangible results from the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialog, deepen cooperation in various economic and financial areas, and promote mutual benefits to ensure the sustained, healthy, and steady development of China-UK economic relations.
Reeves said that the UK highly values its cooperation with China and is eager to enhance communication with the Chinese side.
She highlighted the importance of effectively implementing the outcomes of the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialog to bring new momentum to economic cooperation between the two countries.
China-UK ties have recently shown signs of reset. In January, Reeves visited Beijing and met with He, securing over 800 million U.S. dollars in commercial agreements. Now, the Chinese vice premier is in London for the return visit.
As for the UK and the U.S., their relationship holds firm amid rising trade tensions. The U.S. temporarily spared the UK from a 50 percent tariff on steel and aluminum. Both sides are pushing to finalize a deal to reduce broader tariffs.
The China-U.S. talks has garnered significant attention. The London meetings follow constructive discussions in Geneva in May, where both countries agreed to a 90-day tariff rollback.
Last Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S President Donald Trump held a 90-minute phone call - their first since the trade war reignited in February - setting the tone for what's to come.
This time, vice premier He leads the Chinese delegation, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and, for the first time, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick representing Washington.
U.S. President Trump also said on social media that "it should go well."
The international community is expecting a broader deal before the current tariff truce expires.
Chinese vice premier meets UK chancellor of exchequer in London
Chinese vice premier meets UK chancellor of exchequer in London
Chinese vice premier meets UK chancellor of exchequer in London
