What is the point of Rachel Reeves’s visit to Beijing?

The Chinese communist party claims to know a thing or two about humiliation – the ‘century of humiliation’ at the hands of rapacious foreigners is a founding myth of the CCP, which presents itself as a redemptive power. It will no doubt derive some satisfaction in making Rachel Reeves look foolish, as she heads to China today with a selection of City grandees. In reality though, the damage will be largely self-inflicted.

For multiple reasons, the timing of a visit designed to build closer economic links with Beijing is awful. It comes just weeks after the UK confirmed the expulsion of an alleged spy who became a confidant and business partner of the Duke of York. It also comes just after Chinese cyber spies were accused of breaking into staff computers at the US Treasury, the latest in a hacking frenzy that in recent months has included the UK’s Electoral Commission and a Ministry of Defence payroll contractor.