Starmer Dismisses Trump Warning, Pushes UK-China Ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s warning that doing business with China is “very dangerous,” saying it would be unwise for the UK to ignore the world’s second-largest economy.

Speaking in Shanghai on the final day of his visit, Starmer emphasized that the UK must engage with China to protect its national interests. “It would be foolhardy to simply say we will ignore [China],” he said.

Trump, commenting from Washington, had cautioned that closer UK-China ties carry risks but offered no further details. Starmer stressed that the UK remains a close ally of the US and that Washington was informed of the trip.

During three hours of talks with President Xi Jinping, Starmer secured several agreements:

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  Whisky tariffs cut to 5%

  
  


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  Visa rules relaxed, including visa-free travel for UK citizens visiting China for under 30 days (start date pending)

  
  


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  Market access improvements for UK professional services

  
  

Xi called for stronger dialogue and cooperation amid a “complex and intertwined” global situation. Starmer also announced that China would lift sanctions on British lawmakers critical of its policies.

The visit included major investment commitments, with AstraZeneca pledging $15 billion to expand research and manufacturing in China through 2030.

Starmer described the visit as “a real success,” highlighting the opportunities for the UK economy. A delegation of 60 business leaders accompanied him, showcasing the potential benefits for trade and growth.

The Labour government, which has faced challenges in boosting growth since taking office in July 2024, has made improving relations with China a key priority.