UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said Britain cannot afford to ignore China, pushing back against criticism from Donald Trump over London’s renewed trade and diplomatic engagement with Beijing. Speaking during a visit to China, Starmer argued that disengaging from the world’s second largest economy would be economically damaging and strategically short sighted, particularly as other major European powers pursue closer ties. His remarks come amid growing uncertainty around U.S. trade policy and a more unpredictable transatlantic environment, prompting Britain to seek broader economic hedges. Starmer’s stance reflects a pragmatic recalibration rather than a wholesale realignment, positioning China as a necessary partner in growth and investment even as geopolitical tensions persist.
Talks between Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping signalled a tentative reset in bilateral relations, producing agreements on tariff reductions and mobility alongside progress on market access. China agreed to cut tariffs on UK whisky and ease visa rules, while Britain highlighted improved prospects for its professional services sector. The discussions also coincided with major commercial commitments, including a substantial expansion by a UK pharmaceutical company into the Chinese market. For a Labour government under pressure to deliver growth at home, the visit was framed as a tangible step toward unlocking overseas demand and investment. Officials emphasised that engagement was conducted transparently and with U.S. counterparts kept informed.
Trump criticised the UK’s outreach, warning that doing business with China was dangerous, though he offered no further detail. The comments underline widening differences between Washington and some allies on how to manage relations with Beijing. While the U.S. administration has leaned toward coercive trade measures, including tariff threats, Britain is seeking to balance security concerns with economic opportunity. Starmer has maintained that London does not need to choose between Washington and Beijing, pointing to strong U.S. investment commitments alongside growing China ties. The approach suggests a more independent foreign economic policy, even as Britain remains closely aligned with its traditional allies.
Beyond trade, the visit also touched on sensitive political issues, including travel restrictions on British lawmakers and cooperation with Chinese firms on research and development. Chinese companies outlined plans to expand their footprint in the UK, including new research centres linked to advanced manufacturing. Starmer has recently shown greater willingness to challenge Trump on broader international issues, signalling a shift in tone from earlier caution. His China visit highlights how economic pragmatism is shaping policy choices as global power dynamics evolve. For Britain, engaging China is being cast not as an ideological endorsement but as a calculated move to protect national interests in a fragmented global economy.
