Starmer becomes the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years, following the lead of other Western leaders seeking to counter the increasingly volatile United States.
In recent weeks, leaders from France, Canada, and Finland have made their way to Beijing amid concerns over President Trump’s Greenland ambitions and tariff threats against NATO allies.
Despite Trump’s warning that it was “very dangerous” for Britain to engage with China, Starmer dismissed the comments, pointing out Trump’s upcoming visit to China in the following months. Starmer emphasized the close alliance between the US and the UK, stating that discussions with Trump’s team had taken place prior to the visit.
During an interview with UK television, Starmer highlighted the importance of not ignoring China, being the world’s second-largest economy. Responding to Trump’s remarks, Beijing’s foreign ministry expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with all nations for mutual benefit.
Starmer held meetings with top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, stressing the necessity of enhancing bilateral relations. At the UK-China Business Forum, Starmer addressed business representatives from both countries, underlining the progress made and the potential for collaboration.
Several agreements were signed, with one notable deal being visa-free travel for British citizens to China for up to 30 days, although the start date remains unspecified. The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed it was actively considering the visa agreement and would disclose details upon completing necessary procedures.
Starmer also announced the lifting of sanctions on UK lawmakers critical of alleged human rights abuses against China’s Uyghur minority. He mentioned that President Xi welcomed all parliamentarians following the decision.
In Shanghai, Starmer engaged with Chinese students at the Shanghai International College of Fashion and Innovation, a joint venture between Donghua University and the University of Edinburgh. Later, he met with performing arts students alongside British actress Rosamund Pike, who shared her children’s Mandarin learning experience.
The visa agreement aligns Britain with approximately 50 other countries offering visa-free travel, like France, Germany, Australia, and Japan. The signed agreements encompass cooperation on various fronts, including combatting migrant smuggling, boosting British exports to China, enhancing health initiatives, and strengthening bilateral trade relations.
Furthermore, China agreed to reduce tariffs on British whisky by half to five percent, according to Downing Street. The visit resulted in significant economic gains, with British companies securing export deals worth £2.2 billion ($3 billion) and around £2.3 billion in market access enhancements over the next five years, along with substantial investments.
In a meeting with Starmer, President Xi emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries amid a complex international landscape. While tensions between China and Britain escalated in 2020 due to developments in Hong Kong, China remains the UK’s third-largest trading partner. Starmer aims to leverage agreements with China to bolster UK economic growth.
Additionally, Pop Mart, the creators of the popular Labubu dolls, announced plans to establish a regional hub in London and launch up to 27 stores across Europe, including several in Britain, in the coming year.
