British finance minister Rachel Reeves, facing criticism for travelling to China during financial market turmoil at home, said on Saturday that "pragmatic and predictable" relations with Beijing would help boost economic growth and trade.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves kicked off a two-day China visit Saturday, a landmark exchange highlighting the Labour government’s efforts to stay focused on long-term plans to get the British economy growing again even as fiscal concerns mount back home.

But Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, standing in for Reeves in the Commons on Thursday, said the trip was "important" for UK trade and there was "no need for an emerg