China Halts British Stock Link Over Political Tensions: Sources

Britain's then-Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond (C) and Chinese Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua (C-R) applaud the launch of a stock link between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges, in London on June 17, 2019. Sources say listings were recently blocked by Beijing. HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

HONG KONG/LONDON—China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain, five sources told Reuters.

Suspending the Shanghai–London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base, and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies.