Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Starmer visits China to mend ties
The UK's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is going to China for four days to meet with leaders and business people.
This is the first time a British leader has visited China in eight years.
Starmer wants to make the UK's relationship with China better, especially because the US is being unpredictable.
He hopes this will help the UK's economy by increasing trade and investment.
However, some people think this is a bad idea because China and the US are not getting along well.
Starmer also approved a new Chinese embassy in London, which some people worry could be used for spying.
The UK wants to trade more with China, but so far, it hasn't gotten many benefits from this.
The US is also warning other countries, like Canada, about getting too close to China.
Keir Starmer begins his four-day official visit to China on January 28, marking the first visit by a British PM in eight years.
The visit aims to build on recent exchanges, including President Xi Jinping’s call with Starmer and their meeting at the Rio G20 Summit.
Starmer will meet Xi Jinping to discuss strategic bilateral ties and hold formal talks with Premier Li Qiang and top legislator Zhao Leji.
The visit has drawn criticism from some British and US politicians, questioning the economic benefits and national security implications.
China is the UK's fourth-largest trading partner, with trade totaling about 100 billion pounds in the past year.
- Who
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- What
- Visiting China to mend ties and boost economic relations
- When
- January 28 to January 31, 2025
- Where
- Beijing, China
- Why
- To reduce dependence on the US and improve economic ties with China
Proponents of the Visit
Critics of the Visit
Economic Benefits
Proponents of the Visit
The visit aims to boost economic and trade relations, with China being the UK's fourth-largest trading partner.
Critics of the Visit
Critics question the economic benefits, citing low Chinese foreign direct investment in the UK and a decline in the UK's market share in China.
Geopolitical Strategy
Proponents of the Visit
The visit is seen as a way to reduce dependence on the unpredictable US and strengthen ties with a major global economy.
Critics of the Visit
Critics argue that the visit could strain relations with the US and other Western allies, especially given the ongoing tensions between China and the West.
- Duration of Visit
- Four days (January 28 to January 31)
- Accompanied by
- Dozens of business executives and two ministers
- Last British Leader's Visit
- Eight years ago
- China's Rank as UK Trading Partner
- Fourth-largest
- Trade Volume (12 months to mid-2025)
- 100 billion pounds ($137 billion)
- China's FDI in UK
- 0.2%
- US's FDI in UK
- About a third
- UK's Market Share in China
- Fell in the last year
Sources
UK’s Starmer heads to China to repair ties as he navigates tensions with US
Xi says China, Finland should uphold international system, advance multipolar order
China to seek deeper cooperation with UK, Chinese ministries say
Tariff threats against Canada unlikely to stick. But they could weigh on trade pact.
Stung by Trump, America’s top trading partners cozy up to China
What is at stake for Starmer in China?
Britain seeks trade with China without triggering Trump’s fury
