Chancellor Rachel Reeves is traveling to China to strengthen trade and economic relationships amid rising government borrowing costs.
Her three-day visit has received criticism from some Conservatives, suggesting she should prioritize UK economic issues.
Government borrowing costs have reached their highest level in years, potentially leading to cuts in public services or tax increases.
Reeves' delegation includes leading financial figures and aims to revitalize an annual economic dialogue with China, which has been stalled since the pandemic.
Despite economic pressures, Treasury officials emphasize the trip's importance for UK trade, with some advocating for her absence from urgent domestic affairs.