What are the motivations behind a 'reset' with China?

"Reset" is fast becoming a (not particularly inspiring) catchphrase for the prime minister, a small word that is being forced to carry some humongous burdens in this early phase of his premiership. The much-heralded, but seldom-defined, "reset" of the UK's relations with Europe has yet to yield much beyond warm words and warmer meetings with EU leaders.

- SEAN O'GRADY

Even less happily, there has been the need for some “resets” on policy during his first months in office. Now, though, comes the most formidable “reset” of all – with China, initiated at the G20 summit in Rio...

Why does the UK need a “reset” with China?

Well, on some measures, it’s already the largest economy on earth, and is easily an industrial, technological and military superpower – the only plausible challenger to the United States for pre-eminence in the 21st century. So it’s hard to ignore, quite aside from the perennial legacy issue of Hong Kong.

Without this “reset” meeting, for example, Keir Starmer would not have been able publicly to raise the case of Jimmy Lai, whose health, Starmer informed Xi Jinping, is “deteriorating”. (At this point, the two British reporters in the room were removed by Beijing’s officials).