Beijing's stance on Russia's war against Ukraine and growing concerns that China is preparing to invade Taiwan have fuelled international tensions during the past year.
A City of London Corporation spokesperson said:"The City Corporation engages with all key international markets including China. This visit will be crucial in driving forward our climate action goals and supporting the global economy with the transition to net-zero. As the world's largest producer of carbon emissions any discussion on climate change must include China."
In recent days, Lord Johnson, the investment minister, has been criticised by Conservative MPs over a visit to Hong Kong during which he was due to discuss fintech and other trade-related issues with city officials.Truss urges West to 'get real' about China Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader and long-time China hawk, called Rishi Sunak's decision to send Lord Johnson to the former British colony"shameful".
An annual forum called the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue has failed to take place in recent years, partly because of the pandemic but also owing to frostier relations between the countries.City executives have expressed hope that it could be reinstated this year, although any prospective arrangements have not been made public.