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.

New data shows the challenges facing Chinese policymakers trying to stimulate an economy marked by falling prices, weak consumer spending and a housing market crash.

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 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.

David Lammy is set to meet China’s foreign minister in Beijing on Friday, in a trip the British government said would acknowledge “areas of contention as well as areas for cooperation.”