Philip Hammond sought to smooth relations with China yesterday after claims by cabinet ministers that it would be unsafe to use the country’s kit for Britain’s 5G network.

The chancellor hailed the “extraordinarily ambitious vision” of China’s vast foreign investment strategy, pitching Britain as a close partner to Beijing as it builds ports, railways, airports and pipelines.

The chancellor described the Chinese Belt and Road initiative (BRI) as “a project of truly epic ambition” as he attempted to strengthen ties with the world’s second largest economy.

He urged the country to follow “the highest international standards” when implementing the scheme, however, as its leaders face growing concern over the financial and environmental cost for poorer countries.

Mr Hammond offered British financial and legal expertise to