"We'll work with China to tackle global challenges, but we can make a bigger difference spending UK aid where it is more needed," Kwarteng said on Twitter, adding that last year UK aid to China was around 13 million pounds ($16.2 million).

The announcement comes a day after the government set out its new International Development Strategy in which it promised to try to better direct its aid budget to nations to help foster economic growth.

($1 = 0.8025 pounds)

(Reporting by William James, writing by Muvija M, Editing by Kylie MacLellan)