British finance minister Rachel Reeves is scheduled to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in London this week during his official visit to the UK, according to a senior government source. The meeting comes as He Lifeng travels to Britain from June 8 to 13 for discussions also involving senior aides to U.S. President Donald Trump, amid ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
The meeting between Reeves and He is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and navigating complex global economic dynamics. Although details of the meeting’s agenda and timing have not been disclosed, officials suggest the conversation could touch upon trade cooperation, market access, and shared global financial concerns.
This will mark the second high-level meeting between Reeves and He in 2025, following their talks in China earlier this year—part of a broader effort by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing. Reeves’ engagement with China is seen as a strategic move to balance economic interests amid an increasingly fragmented global order.
However, Reeves’ diplomatic outreach comes amid domestic scrutiny and geopolitical friction. Several British lawmakers remain wary of China’s intentions, raising concerns about national security and espionage. These concerns have intensified following Beijing’s plans to establish what would be its largest embassy in Europe at Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London.
Local planning authorities have so far rejected the embassy application, citing security and urban development issues. A final decision now lies with the British government. Meanwhile, the U.S. has voiced concerns over the embassy’s location, highlighting its proximity to key financial institutions and data infrastructure in London.
A senior U.S. official told The Sunday Times that the proposed embassy location could affect ongoing UK-U.S. trade talks. British technology minister Peter Kyle responded to these concerns on Sky News, stating, “These issues will be taken care of assiduously in the planning process.”
As Vice Premier He’s visit unfolds, all eyes will be on how Britain navigates its strategic balancing act—managing relations with both the U.S. and China at a time when global trade and diplomacy remain under strain.
Sources By Agencies
