Visiting Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the substantial potential for collaboration between the United Kingdom and China during his recent trip, which marks the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years. This diplomatic effort occurs amidst growing caution among Western nations regarding relations with China, particularly in the wake of warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Starmer’s trip follows a trend where leaders from various countries, including France, Canada, and Finland, have recently turned their attention to Beijing, possibly in response to the U.S. administration’s aggressive foreign policy initiatives, such as its pursuit of territorial claims in Greenland and imposing tariffs against NATO allies.
Trump cautioned on Thursday that Britain’s engagement with China could be a “very dangerous” move, to which Starmer responded by affirming the importance of the U.S.-U.K. alliance. He noted that discussions regarding his visit were held with Trump’s team prior to his departure, highlighting the ongoing close ties between the two nations. “I don’t think it is wise for the UK to stick its head in the sand. China is the second-largest economy in the world,” he asserted in an interview.
In reaction to Trump’s comments, China’s foreign ministry conveyed its willingness to enhance cooperation with all countries for mutual benefits. The Prime Minister met with influential Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, to underline the necessity for closer relations. In a speech at the UK-China Business Forum, Starmer expressed optimism about the engagement and tangible progress achieved during his meetings with Chinese officials.
During his discussions, Starmer signed several agreements, including one that allows visa-free travel for British citizens visiting China for fewer than 30 days. However, the start date for this arrangement is yet to be confirmed, and Beijing’s foreign ministry stated it is still “actively considering” the deal.
Starmer characterized the agreements as emblematic of an evolving relationship, which also included the lifting of sanctions on UK lawmakers who had criticized China’s human rights record since 2021. He conveyed that all parliamentarians would now be welcomed, as per his conversation with President Xi.
Following his time in Beijing, Starmer traveled to Shanghai, where he engaged with students at the Shanghai International College of Fashion and Innovation, a collaborative institution between Donghua University and the University of Edinburgh.
In addition to the visa agreement, other signed deals focused on enhancing cooperation in combating migrant smuggling, boosting British exports to China, and improving health relations. Notably, China agreed to reduce tariffs on British whisky from ten percent to five percent.
The Prime Minister’s trip resulted in British businesses securing £2.2 billion in export agreements, alongside approximately £2.3 billion in market access achievements anticipated over the next five years. Additional investments totaling “hundreds of millions” were also highlighted.
AstraZeneca announced its plan for a $15 billion investment in China aimed at expanding its pharmaceutical manufacturing and research capabilities through 2030. Meanwhile, China’s Pop Mart, known for its Labubu dolls, indicated plans to establish a regional hub in London and expand with 27 new retail locations in Europe, including seven in Britain.
Starmer’s diplomatic mission will continue with a brief stop in Japan to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, as he seeks to fortify Britain’s economic ties within Asia amid a complex and evolving international landscape.
