Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the economic importance of engaging with China as he prepares to become the first British prime minister in eight years to visit Beijing. The trip will bring “significant opportunities” for British companies, according to Starmer.
UK-China Relations and Economic Opportunities
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Starmer insisted the UK would not be forced to choose between China and maintaining close ties with the US, despite rising trade tensions between the two superpowers. He affirmed the UK would maintain “close ties” with the US on business, security and defence, but stated that ignoring China “wouldn’t be sensible.”
Dozens of UK business leaders are expected to accompany the prime minister on the trip, which will include stops in Beijing and Shanghai. The visit follows a period of turbulence in relations between the US and its allies.
Recent weeks have seen US President Donald Trump threaten tariffs on allies for opposing his pursuit of control over Greenland, and face criticism in the UK for suggesting Nato troops had remained “a little back” from the front lines in Afghanistan. Trump also threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods should the country pursue a trade deal with China.
The trip occurs days after the UK approved plans for a new Chinese embassy in London, a decision that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and local residents. The UK is currently awaiting approval from Chinese authorities for its own £100m plan to redevelop the British embassy in Beijing.
‘Diplomatic Tightrope’
Starmer stated in the Bloomberg interview, “I’m often invited to simply choose between countries. I don’t do that.” He added that the UK would maintain its close relationship with the US, encompassing business, security, and defence.
Regarding the delegation travelling to China, Starmer noted they understand the opportunities available, while emphasizing that this does not mean compromising on national security, but rather strengthening it.
Sir Jeremy Hunt, who visited China as foreign secretary in 2018, agreed with Starmer’s decision to visit, but cautioned the importance of remaining “clear eyed” about China’s strategic goal to “prize apart” the UK-US relationship. He described a “real diplomatic tightrope” for Starmer to navigate, acknowledging potential benefits from increased trade alongside significant risks.
Starmer indicated he would raise disagreements with Beijing regarding human rights, including the case of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon found guilty of colluding with foreign forces in December. Western governments, including the UK and US, have repeatedly called for Lai’s release, a demand rejected by both Beijing and Hong Kong.
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