Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has signalled China's interest in investing in HS2 during trade talks with David Cameron in London.
During his official visit to the UK, Mr Li met with the Prime Minister at Downing Street.
According to the Telegraph, no details were agreed but the two leaders said they discussed multi-billion-pound projects HS2 and nuclear power.
They laid the foundations for potential direct investment by China as part of the wide-ranging talks, which resulted in £14bn of trade deals.
Doreen McIntyre, chairman of Harefield Against HS2, said the talks do not come as a surprise and will not mean the cost of HS2 is any less for British taxpayers.
She said: "The key thing here is that it is an investment, meaning it will have to be paid back by taxpayers.
"They are also talking about trade deals of about £14bn, with HS2 only one of a few projects being discussed. The government has already said HS2 will cost at least £40bn so even if China does invest, the cost of HS2 will not go away."
It is likely a direct investment in HS2 would be made through the China Development Bank Corporation, which is responsible for funding large-scale projects on behalf of the country's economy.
