China's economy is expected to have slowed in the third quarter, dragged by a prolonged property downturn and weak consumption, maintaining pressure on policymakers as they consider more stimulus steps to revitalise growth.

China’s economic growth slowed in the third quarter, trending below Beijing’s annual growth target but beating market expectations.

Britain’s foreign secretary has called engagement with China “pragmatic and necessary” as he makes the first visit to the country by a Cabinet member from the Labor government that took control in July.

British foreign secretary David Lammy will visit China on a two-day visit starting on Friday in a bid to improve relations between the two countries after years of tensions over security concerns and alleged human rights abuses.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Saturday that businesses wanted "stability and clarity" in trade with China, as London seeks to reset relations with Beijing under the new Labour government.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy will seek to revive UK relations with China this week, even as Beijing carries out military drills around Taiwan and ahead of the British government’s own audit of the bilateral relationship.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet his counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Friday to "challenge" China on sensitive issues like Russia's war in Ukraine, as the two nations

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet his counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Friday to "challenge" China on sensitive issues like Russia's war in Ukraine, as the two countries